Social Anxiety Symptoms

Knowing and Conquering Social Anxiety Symptoms

Without a shred of doubt, the onset of social anxiety symptoms lessens the quality of life for an individual suffering from them. The individual experiences an excessive, unreasonable and intense fear of social situations even when these only involves family and friends in an intimate setting, more so in a large party.

Negative Consequences

The irrational fears are centered on being closely watched, judged and then criticized by the people around so much so that many sufferers will choose to forego social contact altogether. And even when social contact is still maintained, it is suffered through under great mental and physical distress to the point where panic attacks are all too common.

In severe cases, the individual also suffers from anticipatory anxiety. For days and weeks before the social event, the irrational fear of the situation starts to sink in and magnifies in intensity until the big day when even thinking about it brings on the panic attack.

Unfortunately, the negative effects of social anxiety symptoms do not stop there. Patients also suffer from distorted images of themselves and of others. As a result, the individual's normal life is adversely affected along with his personal and professional relationships.

Known Symptoms

Before anybody assumes that he/she has social phobia, it is important to know the symptoms first. Usually, a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist will provide the definitive diagnosis based on the observance of the following symptoms:

• Intense feelings of anxiety in any and all social situations
• Avoidance of social events to the point of being a recluse
• Confusion, muscle tension, upset stomach, palpitations, sweating, shaking and blushing

Children also suffer from social anxiety symptoms albeit these are expressed in a different way. Tantrums, excessive crying and clinging to an adult may be signs of social anxiety.

If it is any consolation, social anxiety disorder is the third most common mental disorder and the most common anxiety disorder in the United States. Approximately 19.2 million Americans suffer from its symptoms with many of the signs manifesting early childhood and way into early adulthood.

Effective Treatments

Fortunately, all is not doom and gloom with social anxiety disorder. There are many effective therapies available that sufferers can avail of with many insurance companies even covering a significant portion of the cost. These therapies are provided to the patient depending on the severity, intensity and frequency of the social anxiety symptoms.

First, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is widely recognized as the most effective treatment with or without the medications. The main purposes for CBT are to train the person's mind to let go of the irrational fears, to stop avoidance of the social situations, and to react in a different manner to the trigger of the fears.

Second, medications like antidepressants, tranquilizers, and beta-blockers are also common treatments. These oral medicines are used to control the short-term mental and physical symptoms of the disorder while CBT looks at the long-term treatment.

Third, professional counseling as well as support from the family and friends improves on the person's self-esteem. Relaxation techniques are also taught to control the anxiety.

Indeed, the onset of social anxiety symptoms need not be the end of the world for anybody. The key is in recognizing the symptoms and then seeking professional intervention first and then looking for personal support second.

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