| Many people with social anxiety disorder feel that | | | | drugs to reduce fears and inhibitions at social events. |
| there is "something wrong," but don't recognize their | | | | Social anxiety disorder may co-occur with other |
| feeling as a sign of illness. Physiological effects, similar | | | | anxiety disorders as well as depression. Additionally, |
| to those in other anxiety disorders, are present in social | | | | people with social anxiety may develop problems with |
| phobics. Social anxiety disorder can be so debilitating | | | | substance abuse or dependence when they use |
| that it interferes with work, school and other routine | | | | drinking or drugs to "self-medicate" their symptoms. |
| activities. Social anxiety disorder may be linked to other | | | | Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a class |
| mental illnesses, such as panic disorder , | | | | of antidepressants, are considered by many to be the |
| obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression. Signs | | | | first choice medication for generalised social phobia. |
| and symptoms of social anxiety disorder can fluctuate | | | | Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) may be helpful in |
| over time. Physical symptoms include "mind going | | | | the treatment of social anxiety disorder. MAOIs and |
| blank", fast heartbeat, blushing, stomach ache. | | | | benzodiazepines may require more monitoring than |
| Cognitive distortions are a hallmark, and learned about | | | | other medications. Beta blockers are sometimes used |
| in CBT. Thoughts are often self-defeating and | | | | with performance anxiety, a specific kind of social |
| inaccurate. Some sufferers may use alcohol or other | | | | anxiety. |