What is Social Anxiety Disorder?
Social Anxiety Disorder, also sometimes referred to as social phobia, is a type of anxiety disorder can bring about intense feelings of fear and anxiety in various social situations. The anxiety is often rooted in the fear of being judged, doing something wrong or embarrassing in public, afraid of possibly saying something wrong, to the extent where they often avoid these situations all together (NIH, 2022). While many associate social anxiety with the fear of public speaking, it’s often more than that and can apply to a wide range of social situations. In fact, one must experience these intense feelings in more than one social setting to be properly diagnosed with the condition.
Signs and Symptoms:
In addition to the symptoms listed above, one might experience a variety of other symptoms as well. For instance, the anxiety that comes with the condition may cause:
- Sweating or blushing
- Racing heart
- Nausea
- Difficulty thinking or concentrating
- Limited eye contact
- Self-consciousness
- Avoidance of social situations
- Feelings of intense fear, anxiety, stress, or overwhelm with thinking about or encountering social situations.
(NIMH, 2022).
Diagnosis:
If you or a loved one notice any of the signs or symptoms above, talk to a trusted physician or mental health professional. Getting a diagnosis of social anxiety disorder will consist of a detailed history of your symptoms and experiences. Timely diagnosis can lead to early intervention.
Treatment Options:
There are a wide range of treatment options for social anxiety disorder. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and/or Exposure Therapy are common forms of treatment to help overcome and work through the symptoms social anxiety can present. In addition, some patients benefit from a combination of therapy and medication as part of their treatment plan. There are also a wide variety of support groups out there for social anxiety to help connect patients with others who are experiencing similar struggles (NIMH, 2022).
At Suburban Research, we are currently enrolling for a social anxiety disorder clinical pharmaceutical trial for individuals 18-65 years of age. If you’re seeking alternative treatment options or have been struggling to find an effective treatment for you, reach out to learn more to see if you might qualify!
Resources:
To learn more about social anxiety disorder, visit the National Institute of Mental Health.
