Which of the following are symptoms of social phobia?
Social anxiety disorder is a mental health condition characterized by a fear of being watched or judged by others in social situations. Show
Social anxiety disorder is also known as social phobia. Anxiety is a fear that arises in anticipation of an event, and a phobia is an irrational fear of certain objects or situations. The National Institute of Mental Health report that12.1%of adults in the United States experience social anxiety disorder at some point in their lifetime. It is more common in females than in males. However, social anxiety disorder is treatable. Talking therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and medications can help people overcome their symptoms. This article provides an overview of social anxiety disorder, including its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. What is social anxiety disorder?Share on PinterestHinterhaus Productions/Getty Images People with social anxiety disorder are fearful of or anxious about certain social situations due to a fear of negative judgment, embarrassment, or rejection. Although some anxiety is usual in social situations, such as when giving a presentation or going on a date, social anxiety disorder refers to anxiety that is intense, affects work or personal life, and lasts for at least6 months. People with social anxiety disorder may feel worried about appearing anxious, such as blushing or trembling, or about others thinking that they are awkward or unintelligent. Many people also have strong physical symptoms, such as an increased heart rate, feeling sick, or sweating. Although the person may acknowledge that their fear is excessive, the anxiety often feels overpowering and out of their control. The triggers of social anxiety vary among people but might include:
Many people with this condition do not seek treatment, believing it is just a part of their personality. They may instead seek help for related issues, such as depression or substance use. Symptoms (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Social anxiety disorder has many effects on the body and mind, causing physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms. The symptoms tend to occur in certain social situations and may include:
These symptoms can greatly disrupt daily life, such as school, work, and relationships. Without treatment, the person may not achieve their potential at school or work, as they may avoid participating in group tasks, speaking in front of groups, or receiving a promotion. When severe or chronic, social anxiety can lead to the development of other conditions, such as depression or substance use disorders. In children, the symptoms appear in interactions with both adults and peers. Their feelings of anxiety might appear as:
Treatment Various treatment options can help people manage their symptoms, gain confidence, and overcome their anxiety. Without treatment, however, social anxiety disorder may persist throughout life — though it may feel better or worse at certain times. Healthcare professionals will usually recommend treatment with psychotherapy, medication, or both. The sections below will look at these options in more detail. PsychotherapyPsychotherapy, or talking therapy, helps people understand their experiences and develop effective coping methods. There are many types of psychotherapy, including:
CBT is a common treatment. It aims to help the person recognize and change negative thoughts or beliefs about social situations. It also aims to change people’s behaviors or reactions to situations that trigger anxiety. CBT can help a person recognize that their own thoughts, not those of others, can determine how they react and behave. Exposure therapy, or cognitive delivered exposure, can also help. With this approach, the person gradually works up to facing the situations they fear with a therapist and in a safe environment. MedicationsA range of medications can help people manage the symptoms of social anxiety disorder. The three main types are antianxiety medications, antidepressants, and beta-blockers. The sections below will look at these options in more detail. AntidepressantsSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which people mainly use as antidepressants, can also help with the symptoms of social anxiety disorder. They may take several weeks or months to take effect. Some examples include:
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, which are another class of antidepressant, can also help. Some examples include:
Antianxiety medicationsAntianxiety medications act quickly to reduce the symptoms of anxiety, but doctors will usually recommend them as a short-term solution, as they can create dependence. Benzodiazepines are a common class of antianxiety drug. Some examples of these include alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin). In 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) strengthened their warning about benzodiazepines. Using these drugs can lead to physical dependence, and withdrawal can be life-threatening. Combining them with alcohol, opioids, and other substances can result in death. It is essential to follow the doctor’s instructions when using these drugs. Beta-blockersBeta-blockers help block the physical effects of anxiety, such as sweating, tremors, and a rapid heartbeat. They do this by blocking the stimulating effects of adrenaline. Doctors usually prescribe these drugs for specific situations, such as having to give a presentation, but not for ongoing treatment. Tips for overcoming anxietySocial anxiety is a highly individual experience. The tips that help one person may be less helpful for another. For this reason, it can be useful to try various methods to find out what works best. The following tips may help people overcome anxiety in social situations. Increase social situations graduallyPeople with social anxiety disorder often avoid social situations where they may trigger their feelings of anxiety. Although this reduces anxiety in the short-term, avoidance can make anxiety much worse in the long-term. If possible — and with the help of a therapist, if necessary — the person can gradually increase their exposure to the situations they fear. This creates space for them to have a positive experience with the situation. Having positive social experiences can boost a person’s confidence and reduce their anxiety or reassure them that they can overcome it. Take time to relaxEngaging in mood-boosting activities releases feel-good chemicals in the brain, which can relieve stress and make a person feel better about their feelings of anxiety. Before going into a social situation that feels scary, try doing something relaxing or enjoyable, such as listening to music, reading, playing a video game, or meditating. Reframe your thoughtsIf a person holds onto the idea that they are shy, it will reinforce current anxiety about talking to people or being in public. Thoughts fuel behavior patterns. A technique tied to CBT involves guiding people through the reframing process. Writing down these thought processes can help. For example, “I am a shy person” can become “I acted like a shy person at the gathering.” It may help the person to know that they can change how they perceive themselves and how they feel that others see them. Avoid relying on alcoholUsing alcohol and other substances may reduce anxiety in the short-term, but it can make anxiety worse over time and lead to dependence or substance use disorders. Learn about tips for overcoming social anxiety here. Diagnosis A doctor may ask questions about the person’s medical history and carry out a physical exam to rule out any physical causes of their symptoms. They may then refer the person to a mental health professional. A mental health professional will ask the person about their symptoms, including when they occur, how often they occur, and when they started. Clinicians use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition to diagnose mental health conditions, including social anxiety disorder. The diagnostic criteria for this condition include:
Causes and risk factorsThe causes of social anxiety disorder are complex. They are likely to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Social anxiety disorder typically starts early in life, during a person’s adolescence or teenage years, but it can affect people of all ages. The condition ismore commonin females than males. Possible causes and risk factors include:
ComplicationsSocial anxiety disorder is treatable. Without treatment, however, it can be debilitating. The symptoms of social anxiety disorder can significantly disrupt the person’s work and social life and may result in a lack of social support, low achievement at work and in other areas, a reduced quality of relationships, and a reduced quality of life. Social anxiety disorder is associated with other mental health concerns, including low self-esteem, depression, substance misuse, and suicidal ideation. With appropriate treatment, it is possible to reduce the symptoms of social anxiety disorder, which can greatly improve quality of life. Suicide preventionIf you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988. Click here for more links and local resources. Summary Social anxiety disorder is a relatively common mental health condition. Symptoms include an intense fear of certain social situations, a fear of ridicule, and a strong desire to avoid social situations. When severe or without treatment, the condition can be debilitating. However, with effective intervention — which might include talking therapies, medications, or both — people can greatly improve their quality of life. What are 3 symptoms of social anxiety?What are the signs and symptoms of social anxiety disorder?. Blushing, sweating, shaking or feeling your heart race in social situations.. Feeling very nervous to the point of feeling nauseated in social situations.. Not making much eye contact when interacting with others.. Which is a social phobia?Social anxiety disorder, also called social phobia, is a long-term and overwhelming fear of social situations. It's a common problem that usually starts during the teenage years. It can be very distressing and have a big impact on your life. For some people it gets better as they get older.
Which is a social phobia quizlet?social phobia (social anxiety) fear of being the focus of attention or scrutiny (the centre of attention), or of doing something that will be intensely humiliating.
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