Introduction
Are you afraid of being judged
by others or embarrassed all the time? Does most of the time feel extremely
fearful and unsure when surrounded by other people? Do these concerns make it
difficult to carry out daily activities, such as running errands or talk to
other people at work or school?
If so, you may have a type of
anxiety disorder called social phobia or social anxiety disorder.
What
is social phobia?
Social phobia is a strong fear
of being judged by others and being embarrassed. This fear can be so powerful
that from going to work or school or carry out daily activities.
Everyone has felt anxiety or
shame ever. For example, meet new people or giving a speech can make anyone
nervous. But people with social phobia worry about these and other things weeks
before they occur.
Those with social phobia are
afraid to do common things in front of other people, for example, may be afraid
to sign a check in front of a store cashier, or may be afraid to eat or drink
in front of others, or to use a bathroom public. Most people with social phobia
know that they should feel their fear, but they can not control. Sometimes they
end away from places or events where they believe they might have to do
something that embarrassed. For some, social phobia is a problem only in
certain situations, while others have symptoms in almost all social situations.
Usually, social phobia begins
in youth. A doctor can determine that a person has social phobia if the person
has had symptoms for at least six months. Without treatment, social phobia can
last for many years or even a lifetime.
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What
are the signs and symptoms of social phobia?
People with social phobia tend
to:
Feeling very anxious to be
surrounded by other people and have trouble speaking with them despite wanting
to.
Feeling shy and embarrassed in
front of others.
Be very afraid that others
judge them.
Worry for days or weeks before
an event where there will be others.
Stay away from places where
there are other people.
Having difficulty making and
keeping friends.
Blushing, sweating or trembling
when surrounded by other people.
Having nausea or upset stomach
when they are with other people.
What causes social phobia?
Sometimes social phobia is
hereditary, but no one knows for sure why some people have it and some do not. Researchers
have discovered that fear and anxiety involve several parts of the brain. By
learning more about how the fear and anxiety in the brain, scientists can
develop better treatments. In addition, researchers are trying to discover how
stress and environmental factors may be involved.
How
is social phobia?
First, talk to your doctor
about your symptoms. The doctor will do an exam to make sure there is another
physical problem that is causing the symptoms. Your doctor may refer you to see
a mental health specialist.
Generally, social phobia
treated with psychotherapy, medicines or both.
Psychotherapy. The type of
psychotherapy called cognitive-behavioral therapy is especially useful for
treating social phobia. It teaches a person different ways of thinking, behaving
and reacting to different situations in order to help (or) you feel less anxious
or fearful. It can also help people to learn and practice how to function
socially.
Drugs. Doctors may also
prescribe medications to help treat social phobia. The drugs most commonly
prescribed for social phobia are anxiety tics and antidepressants. Anti-anxiety
medications are strong and there are different types. Many take effect immediately,
but generally not to be taken for long periods of time.
Antidepressants are used to
treat depression, but also treat social phobia. Probably more commonly prescribed
to treat social phobia ant anxiety medications. Antidepressants can take
several weeks to work, even some can cause side effects such as headache, nausea
or difficulty sleeping. Generally, for most people, these side effects become a
problem, especially if one starts with a low dose and is increased slowly over
time. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that has.
The type of antidepressant
called a monoamine oxidize inhibitor (MAOI) is particularly effective in
treating social phobia. However, rarely used as primary treatment when Maoist
are combined with certain foods or other medicines can cause dangerous side effects.
It is important to know that
although antidepressants can be safe and effective for many people, they can
also be risky for some, especially for children, adolescents and young adults. Added
a label of "black box"-the most serious type of warning that a prescription
drug can have-to antidepressant medications. These labels will warn people that
antidepressants may cause suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts.
Every person taking
antidepressants should be closely monitored, especially when starting treatment
with these drugs.
Another type of medication
called beta blockers can help control some of the physical symptoms of social
phobia, as sweating, racing heart or scrapie. Usually are prescribed when the
symptoms of social phobia appear in specific situations, such as the "stage
fright".
Some people do better with
cognitive behavioral therapy, while others are better drugs. Even for others, the
best is a combination of the two. Talk to your doctor about what treatment is
right for you.
How
does it feel to have social phobia?
"At school I was always
afraid that teachers ask me something, even though I knew the answers. When I
got a job, I did not like meeting with my boss. Could not have lunch with my
colleagues. I worried that look at me or judge me, and I worried a fool. meetings
when I thought, my heart pounding and began to sweat. Such feelings worse as
the event approached. Sometimes I could not sleep or eat for many days before a
staff meeting ".
"I'm taking medicine and
working with a counselor to cope better my fears. Had to work hard, but I feel
better. Glad we made that first call to my doctor."
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