Social Anxiety Disorder

• The most recently researched and identified anxiety disorder
• Can effect up to 13% of the population
• Seriously disabling if left untreated
• 80% of those who get treatment report significant improvement

Social Anxiety is more than "just shyness". It is an extreme fear that controls and cripples lives.

Feeling nervous in social situations is common. A first date, meeting a new boss or making a presentation makes us all a little anxious. For persons with Social Anxiety, their fear reaches an extreme level and begins to control their daily lives.

Avoidance in the short-term brings relief. Long-term consequences destroy lives.

Often persons will avoid the feared situation at all costs, thus limiting their opportunities for career advancement, relationships and pleasure. Unable to perform daily activities like eating in restaurants, signing a cheque at the bank or using a public restroom can seriously limit their lives.

Others follow through on their commitments, but suffer severe anxiety before, during and after the event.

The key characteristic is extreme anxiety about being judged negatively by others.

Persons believe all eyes are on them and that others are criticizing and belittling them.

Unrealistic assumptions of their competence dominate their thoughts.

Individuals see themselves as "loser", "stupid", "dumb", when in fact they are often very intelligent and capable. Self-confidence and self-esteem are low.

The primary fear is embarrassment and humiliation.

"What will they think of me if I do that?" "I’ll die of embarrassment". Public humiliation is the worst fear.

Physical Symptoms

Physical symptoms can happen before, during and after the social interaction:

• blushing
• trembling
• stammering
• sweating
• heart racing
• dry mouth
• nausea
• muscle tension

Education and career dreams are lost because participation in classroom discussions or business meetings is too difficult.

Individuals with Social Anxiety may have difficulty:

• participating in group activities or business meetings
• eating or writing in public
• using the public restroom
• maintaining eye contact in conversation
• talking with the opposite sex
• attending parties and social functions

Causes of Social Anxiety

Research suggests several possibilities:

• genetic factors
• changes in brain neurotransmitters
• learned behaviour from early caregivers
• childhood trauma, such as being publicly humiliated

Treatment of Social Anxiety

Social Anxiety is highly treatable. Effective treatments involve cognitive behavioural therapy and medication.

Cognitive Therapy

Cognitive therapy helps individuals separate unrealistic from realistic assumptions. They are challenged to change their beliefs about others’ expectations and their own competence and performance.

Behaviour Therapy

Behaviour therapy includes gradual exposure to the situation that triggers anxiety. A primary tool is relaxation techniques used to reduce the uncomfortable physical reactions. Social skills training, e.g. meeting new people and making small talk at a party can build confidence in social situations.

Medications

The newer anti-depressant/anti-anxiety medications have become the first-line medication treatment for Social Anxiety. They are most effective when used in conjunction with cognitive behaviour therapy.