When a person has a persistent fear of social situations that interfere with their daily living, they are said to have an anxiety disorder. When this is severe, they are unable to talk to strangers, go out in public places, do regular shopping and many other things. Someone with social anxiety symptoms is easy to identify.
These symptoms are emotional, behavioral and physical. They will include intense fear of being judged, of how they look to others, worry about being humiliated and avoiding anything that will make them the center of attention. Physical symptoms usually include such things as trembling, shaky voice, palpitations, cold clammy hands, profuse sweating, blushing and similar things. Other indications are hypersensitivity to criticism, low self-esteem and difficulty being forceful.
There are a number of things that have been identified as contributing to this state. These are genetics, fear responses, and biochemistry. Research has shown that, in many cases, this is caused by a disorder that runs in the family. In other words, a condition that is often a behavior learned from other family members. The person’s current environment can also be involved.
By research and testing, both fear responses and biochemistry have been traced to an imbalance in the brain. Treatment for these specific conditions is by medication. However, an overnight cure should not be expected, as it often takes a long time to get such a person back in the activities of everyday life, which will require extra effort on their part.
There are various treatments for this disorder. Medication, behavioral therapy and coping skills are the most prominent. People who have this disorder are entirely different from people who become nervous when having to give a speech or attend a social event filled with people they do not know. The severity of this type of mental upset is so intense that it often incapacitates the person involved as well as bringing distress to the immediate family.
The use of psychotherapy has been effective with many people who have this condition. This therapy addresses the mind and the patient is taught to control their fears by managed and defined thinking. This treatment includes such things as relaxing and modifying behavior by reinforcement techniques and has been very effective for people with this disorder.
Medical prescriptions for this disorder include beta blockers, inhibitors, anti-anxiety medications or anti-depressants. In the beginning, a medical doctor will prescribe the medication in small doses to be sure this is what is needed. In a few cases, the condition disappears with no treatment whatsoever.
When a person displays social anxiety symptoms, it is important that they seek some assistance to relieve the situation. There are many support groups that deal with this specific problem, and will show how to gradually overcome the anxiety by going one step at a time. Self-coping methods include interacting with people one likes, doing exercises or hobbies when anxious, getting enough sleep and consuming a well-balanced diet. With determination, it is possible for a person with this condition to return to a normal life.
Want to find out more about social anxiety symptoms, then visit Darryl Jones’s site on how to understand more about Social anxiety disorder.