Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments for Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder (SAD) isn’t just feeling nervous in
front of people. In fact, you may feel just fine with other people until you
have to interact with them, talk to them, or be the center of attention in any
way. The first signs and symptoms of social anxiety disorder can show up as
early as childhood, so there’s plenty of time to get help before it starts
affecting your life too much. Read on to learn about the symptoms, causes, and
treatments for social anxiety disorder.
What Is It?
According to the Mayo Clinic, social anxiety disorder is a
type of anxiety disorder that causes people to feel extremely nervous and
self-conscious in social situations. People with social anxiety disorder may
worry about being judged by others, or they may fear that they will embarrass
themselves. Consequently, a shy person may stop going to social events
altogether.
Who Gets It?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, social
anxiety disorder affects 15 million American adults. It usually begins in
childhood or adolescence and is more common in women than men.
What Are The Symptoms?
Symptoms of social anxiety disorder can be divided into three
categories: physical, cognitive, and behavioral. Physical symptoms include
things like sweating, racing heart, and shaking. Cognitive symptoms include
negative self-talk and catastrophic thinking. Behavioral symptoms include
avoiding people or situations that trigger anxiety.
Who Else Suffers From This Disorder?
It's estimated that around 15 million adults in the United
States suffer from social anxiety disorder. That's about 6.8% of the
population! This means that you're not alone if you suffer from this disorder.
In fact, you're part of a pretty large group of people.
What are the risk factors?
There are many risk factors associated with social anxiety
disorder, including genetics, brain chemistry, and personality. Having a parent
or close family member with the condition can increase your risk. Other risk
factors include being shy or introverted, having low self-esteem, or
experiencing traumatic or stressful events during childhood.
How Do I Get It Treated And Cured?
If you think you may have social anxiety disorder, the first
step is to see a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist,
psychologist, or clinical social worker. He or she will ask you questions about
your symptoms and their severity.
Where Can I Find More Information About Social Anxiety Disorder?
If you think you
may have social anxiety disorder, it is important to consult with a mental
health professional to get an accurate diagnosis. Once diagnosed, there are
many effective treatments available.
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