| Millions of people around the world suffer from social | | | | symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, shaking, |
| anxiety disorder. It usually starts from childhood or | | | | nausea, and dizziness. Sometimes this anxiety can |
| early adulthood, and is somewhat more prevalent in | | | | even lead to a panic attack. |
| women than men. The symptoms and severity may | | | | It is important do distinguish social anxiety disorder from |
| vary from one person to another but it's typically | | | | shyness. A shy person may feel somewhat |
| characterized by intense fear or severe discomfort in | | | | uncomfortable being with many people around them or |
| social situations. Sometimes the feelings are so | | | | become a little nervous when they interact with others. |
| unbearable to the sufferer that they will attempt to | | | | However, they can still function normally under such |
| avoid being in social situations at all costs. | | | | circumstances and don't become physically debilitated. |
| The exact causes of social anxiety disorder are still | | | | If you suffer from social anxiety disorder, the good |
| under investigation and may include genetic and | | | | news is that help is available so that you don't have to |
| biochemical factors as well as the way your brain | | | | be paralyzed by fear all your life. The best thing to do |
| responses to fear. Although the symptoms are not | | | | is for you to talk to your doctor. He or she will ask you |
| very specific and can be similar those of other mental | | | | some questions and perform tests to determine the |
| or even physical disorders, there are a few common | | | | diagnosis and rule out any serious medical problems. |
| signs noticeable when you are in a social environment | | | | You may then be referred to a specialist who is even |
| that can alert you to the possibility of having this | | | | more knowledgeable in treating anxiety disorders. |
| disorder and seek help accordingly. These signs | | | | Treatment can include medications and/or cognitive |
| include: | | | | behavioral therapy. |
| - Fear that you are the center of attention | | | | You should never try to treat yourself using alcohol or |
| - Fear of being inadequate or being the worst person | | | | other drugs since it can lead to substance abuse or |
| around | | | | other more serious health issues. It is very important to |
| - Fear that everyone notices your mistakes and flaws | | | | consult a qualified and competent healthcare provider |
| - Fear of being humiliated in front of everyone | | | | who can work together with you and help you deal |
| These fears cause you severe anxiety and | | | | with the social anxiety disorder and regain control of |
| subsequently you start to experience physical | | | | your life. |