What is Social Anxiety Disorder
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A feeling of intense fear and trepidation is the experience of some people when they have to face the scrutiny of others in normal everyday situations, for example entering a crowded commercial bank hall or a crowded restaurant. They are extremely fearful of people looking at them and of what they will say to new people they meet. This is also the person who would avoid a job promotion if it involves meeting new people, public speaking or other many unfamiliar situations.
Many people have been living with this extreme fear - called social anxiety disorder - but now behavioral scientists have more clearly defined a treatment-protocol using pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy to relieve the phobia and encourage a realistic attitude toward the fearful situation.
The anxiety experienced by people with social anxiety disorder is not the normal anxiety of having to address a large audience or the entering unusual situations, it’s extreme to the point that it interferes with the quality of day-to-day life.
Mental health experts say that the situations usually associated social anxiety disorders are:
- Speaking in public (either to a large or small group)
- Using public toilets
- Eating or drinking in public
- Taking part in sporting activities
- Playing an instrument
The condition is also associated with various types of interactions such as meeting strangers, asking for directions or for help. A student with social anxiety disorder for instance, might find it extremely difficult to ask his teacher for help.
The experts says that there are subtypes of social anxiety disorder for example some people might have generalized social anxiety disorder where they experience anxiety in many social situations while others might be fearful in only one or two situations - this is specific social anxiety disorder.
They have also found that people with social anxiety disorder are very likely to suffer other psychological conditions such as major depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, substance abuse and generalized anxiety disorder.
Dealing with social anxiety disorders and the varied symptoms can be extremely difficult and at times seem like it's impossible. And the ever increasing range of anxiety medications isn't really helping us to solve the problem - they're simply masking the symptoms. I hope to offer help and support on my blog, by sharing my experiences in suffering from and dealing with panic and anxiety attack symptoms.
