Social anxiety disorder

Individuals with this condition experience an overwhelming fear of being judged or of doing something embarrassing in social situations. The disorder can cause disabling self-consciousness.

What is it?

An individual with social anxiety disorder (also called social phobia) experiences excessive nerves or dread of social situations. They may be anxious only in specific circumstances, such as speaking or performing in public, or experience distress in all social situations. The person tends to be extremely
self-conscious and worries about others evaluating them negatively. They dwell on past social incidents, obsessing about how they might have come across. Social anxiety causes the person to overplan and rehearse for anticipated situations, which may lead to odd or awkward behavior. Individuals may then gather evidence to support their fears, because difficult situations often arise as a result of the person’s anxiety or over-rehearsal. This disorder leads to isolation
and depression and can seriously affect social relationships. It can also have a negative impact on performance at work or school.

SYMPTOMS BEFORE SOCIAL INTERACTION The individual may prepare and rehearse excessively in advance, planning topics of conversation or how to present themselves in a specific way.

DURING INTERACTION Physical symptoms such as trembling, rapid breathing, racing heart, sweating, or blushing occur as the body’s
“fight or flight” system is activated. In extreme cases, the person may experience a panic attack.

AFTER INTERACTION The person conducts a detailed, negative, and self-critical appraisal of the social situation, dissecting conversations and body language and giving them a negative slant.

TREATMENT

❯ Cognitive behavioral therapy to recognize and change negative thought patterns and behaviors.

❯ Group therapy for the opportunity to share problems and practice social behavior.

❯ Self-help including affirmations, rehearsing before social events, and using video feedback to disprove negative assumptions.