| Social anxiety is an experience of fear, apprehension | | | | Environmental factors. |
| or worry regarding social situations and being | | | | Neurochemical and neurocognitive influences. |
| evaluated by others. People vary in how often they | | | | New social or work demands. |
| experience anxiety in this way or in which kinds of | | | | What Are the Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder? |
| situations. Anxiety about public speaking, performance, | | | | Many people with social anxiety disorder feel that |
| or interviews is common. Social anxiety can be related | | | | there is "something wrong," but don't recognize their |
| to shyness. The experience is commonly described as | | | | feeling as a sign of illness. Symptoms include: |
| having physiological components (e.g. sweating, | | | | * Intense anxiety in social situations. |
| blushing), cognitive/perceptual components (e.g. belief | | | | * Avoidance of social situations. |
| that one may be judged negatively; looking for signs of | | | | * Physical symptoms of anxiety, including confusion, |
| disapproval) and behavioral components (e.g. avoiding | | | | pounding heart, sweating, shaking, blushing, muscle |
| a situation) | | | | tension, upset stomach and diarrhea. |
| Cognitive distortions are a hallmark, and learned about | | | | Children with this disorder may express their anxiety |
| in CBT. Thoughts are often self-defeating and | | | | by crying, clinging to a parent or throwing a tantrum. |
| inaccurate. Some sufferers may use alcohol or other | | | | Alternative Treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder |
| drugs to reduce fears and inhibitions at social events. | | | | Common Treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder |
| Social anxiety disorder may co-occur with other | | | | Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a class |
| anxiety disorders as well as depression. Additionally, | | | | of antidepressants, are considered by many to be the |
| people with social anxiety may develop problems with | | | | first choice medication for generalised social phobia. |
| substance abuse or dependence when they use | | | | Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) may be helpful in |
| drinking or drugs to "self-medicate" their symptoms. | | | | the treatment of social anxiety disorder. It teaches |
| Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a class | | | | people with social anxiety disorder to react differently |
| of antidepressants, are considered by many to be the | | | | to the situations that trigger their anxiety symptoms. |
| first choice medication for generalised social phobia. | | | | Practicing these techniques regularly can help you |
| Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) may be helpful in | | | | manage or reduce your anxiety. You may need to |
| the treatment of social anxiety disorder. MAOIs and | | | | begin with small steps in situations that aren't |
| benzodiazepines may require more monitoring than | | | | overwhelming. |
| other medications. Beta blockers are sometimes used | | | | These techniques include: |
| with performance anxiety, a specific kind of social | | | | * Eating with a close relative, friend or acquaintance in |
| anxiety. | | | | a public setting. |
| Causes of Social Anxiety Disorder | | | | * Making eye contact and returning greetings from |
| Common Causes and Risk factors of Social Anxiety | | | | others, or being the first to say hello. |
| Disorder | | | | * Preparing for conversation. For instance, read the |
| Genes. | | | | newspaper to identify an interesting story you can talk |
| Biochemistry. | | | | about. |
| Fear responses. | | | | * Giving someone a compliment. |
| Cultural factors. | | | | * Focusing on personal qualities you like about yourself. |