Social Anxiety Disorder(Social Phobia)
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Editorial Staff and Contributors DefinitionSocial anxiety disorder is the intense fear of social situations. People with social anxiety disorder:
Social anxiety may be:
Social anxiety disorder is much more severe than shyness. It can interfere with work, school, or other situations, as well as cause physical symptoms.
CausesThe exact cause is unknown. Possible causes include:
Risk FactorsSocial anxiety disorder is most common in adolescence and early adulthood. It is almost twice as common in women than in men. Other factors that may increase your chances of social anxiety disorder:
SymptomsSymptoms may begin in any public situation such as:
Symptoms during these social interactions may include:
DiagnosisYou will be asked about your fears and symptoms. A physical exam may be done. You may be referred to a mental health specialist. A psychiatric evaluation may be done. TreatmentTreatments may include: Cognitive-Behavioral TherapyDuring cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), the therapist may:
A support group may also be part of your treatment. MedicationThe following medications may be used to help control symptoms:
PreventionThere are no guidelines to prevent social anxiety disorder because the exact cause is unknown. RESOURCES:Anxiety and Depression Association of America https://adaa.org Mental Health America http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Psychiatric Association https://www.cpa-apc.org Canadian Psychological Association https://cpa.ca References:Social anxiety disorder. Anxiety and Depression Association of America website. Available at: https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/social-anxiety-disorder. Accessed January 31, 2018.
Social anxiety disorder. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed...
. Updated May 16, 2017. Accessed January 31, 2018.
Social phobia. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated May 2014. Accessed January 31, 2018. Last reviewed November 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Adrian Preda, MD Last Updated: 1/26/2016 |
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