Social Anxiety Disorder

Are you uncomfortable in social situations because you believe others are judging you? Do you fear being called on to share your thoughts or opinions in meetings or other group settings? Do you avoid specific jobs, classes, or activities because the participation requirements will demand too much interaction with others? If you answered yes to any or all of these, what you are experiencing is social anxiety. The degree to which it interferes with your life could qualify you for the diagnosis or Social Anxiety Disorder (also known as Social Phobia).

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the essential feature of this disorder is a marked and persistent fear of social or performance situations in which embarrassment may occur. Exposure to social situations usually produces an anxiety response. Physiologically, this could include heart palpitations, tremors, sweating, stomach discomfort or diarrhea, muscle tension, confusion, and shortness of breath. Emotionally, the individual experiences extreme fear he knows to be excessive or unreasonable given the absence of a real threat of harm.

Persons with Generalized Social Anxiety Disorder will experience excessive or unreasonable fear in most social situations. They fear almost any experience in which interacting with others is typical or expected. Others may have anxiety reactions in very specific social situations, but not all. The anxiety may manifest in performance scenarios where the individual is expected to speak in front of others; such as giving a presentation, making a toast, answering a question in front of a class, etc. However, the individual is relatively comfortable in other social settings where the attention in not directed specifically at them.

Most people feel some degree of anxiety in situations where they are the center of attention. All of us are subject to feeling embarrassed when we believe our vulnerabilities have been publicly exposed. Even professional entertainers report a degree of anxiety before a performance. Most people can tolerate it and do not feel like it interferes with their life. Persons with Social Anxiety Disorder feel paralyzed by the fear and unable to overcome it. The disorder shares some similarities with other kinds of anxiety disorders such as Panic Disorder and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and a thorough assessment by a mental health professional is needed to make an accurate diagnosis.

Psychotherapy is recommended for the treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder. In some cases, medication may also be beneficial. Some antidepressants have proven effective in treating this disorder. Additionally, psychiatrists may prescribe a beta-blocker, such a Propranolol for treating the symptoms of anxiety associated with anticipated performance situations. One pill an hour before the anticipated event can help reduce many of the physiological symptoms associated with the disorder. As always, you must consult your physician before taking any medication.

If you believe you have this disorder there is good news. It is treatable and can be overcome with time and proper intervention. Treatment strategies will likely require you to have exposure to the situations that bring on the anxiety in order to help you identify and practice some new ways of managing it.

Steven Davidson, LCSW is a licensed psychotherapist and certified sex therapist with offices in Madison and Belle Meade, TN. He treats Social Anxiety Disorder and other disorders that impair the individuals ability to enjoy and make the most out of life. To schedule a consultation visit his website at http://www.nashvillepsychotherapy.com .

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