Understanding Social Anxiety Disorder

Also known as “social phobia,” social anxiety disorder causes someone to intensely fear normal social interactions. This is more than shyness or a fear of public speaking—someone with social anxiety disorder excessively worries about being judged during everyday situations such as making eye contact with someone or talking to a stranger. They may be reluctant to attend school, work, a date, or a party, and they also may feel anxious about eating in front of others, using public restrooms, or returning items to stores.

Physical Signs of Social Anxiety Disorder

In addition to feeling anxiety, embarrassment, fear, humiliation, or self-consciousness, someone with social anxiety disorder may experience:

• Blushing
• Difficulty catching their breath
• Dizziness
• Increased heart rate
• Lightheadedness
• Muscle tension
• Nausea
• Sweating
• Trembling
• Voice shakiness

If someone with social anxiety disorder experiences physical signs like the ones listed above, they may also worry that others will notice that they appear anxious.

How Is Social Anxiety Disorder Treated?

Treatment for social anxiety disorder varies depending on factors such as symptom severity. With that said, many people with this type of anxiety benefit from attending counseling and taking medication such as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), an anti-anxiety medication, or a beta blocker.

The Provider to Choose for Anxiety Disorder Treatment

If you’re worried that you have social anxiety disorder or another type of anxiety, you can contact me for treatment. I regularly assist patients with managing anxiety, and I can do the same for you. Contact me today to request an appointment.