| For individuals suffering from social anxiety disorder, | | | | Unfortunately, caffeine is found in many of the more |
| there are a number of factors that can trigger their | | | | popular drinks and even some medications. Though |
| anxiety, not all of which are directly related to their | | | | we often equate caffeine with coffee, the stimulant is |
| core fears about how they are perceived by other in | | | | also found in many sodas, as well as tea and |
| social settings. For example, stress and diet can play | | | | chocolate. Many weight loss pills and headache |
| key roles in elevating anxiety levels in affected | | | | remedies also contain caffeine. And while many of |
| patients, as can certain stimulants. Caffeine, in | | | | those who suffer with social phobia attempt to merely |
| particular, has been shown to heighten anxiety levels in | | | | limit their caffeine intake, the incompatibility of caffeine |
| several studies. Because of that, it is important that | | | | the anxiety disorder has led most experts to conclude |
| patients understand the dangerous relationship | | | | that it is best to avoid the substance altogether. |
| between caffeine and social anxiety disorder. | | | | Studies of individuals suffering from both general and |
| The main reason why caffeine and social anxiety are | | | | social anxiety have indicated that even moderate |
| incompatible lies in the nature of the caffeine stimulant | | | | reductions in caffeine levels can have an immediate |
| effect. Most stimulants, including caffeine, have side | | | | impact on reducing a patient's anxiety. For those who |
| effects that include insomnia, excessive nervous | | | | wish to remove as many environmental triggers as |
| behavior, and anxiety. That's right: anxiety. Obviously, | | | | possible from their lives, however, eliminating caffeine |
| the last thing anyone suffering from social phobia | | | | ingestion is one of the main steps that can be taken. |
| needs is to ingest a substance that incites anxiety in | | | | Substituting decaffeinated coffee for your regular |
| an individual. In addition, caffeine in some forms can | | | | brand is a good place to start. Though it seems like a |
| inhibit certain minerals and vitamins that your body | | | | major sacrifice, avoiding caffeine will - in both the short |
| needs for a properly balanced nervous system and | | | | and long run - prove to be an invaluable step toward |
| mood regulation. | | | | at least reducing your levels of anxiety. |