Social Anxiety Disorder
February 2, 2010
Have you seen people getting timid and distraught in certain social situations? Do you see them panic for no reason…become anxious over a social event…and even go to any extent to avoid it?Then this person might be suffering from a fear of social situations. This is called social phobia or social anxiety, and when it comes a chronic disorder it is called social anxiety disorder.
A person with a fear of social situations has these conditions…
- Feelings of inadequacy when placed amongst people. A general sense of inferiority or in other words inferiority complex. The tendency to become meek when confronted by strangers. A tendency to be overly consumed by the self or be excessively self-conscious.
- Inability to communicate effectively and clearly in social gatherings. Nervousness and panic attacks during situations when the sufferer becomes the centre of cynosure. The condition can start days, weeks, or even months before a social event. The patient has frequent hallucinations of something being done wrong by himself/herself in the event.
- The excessive fear of saying anything inappropriate. The fear of being insulted or being made small in stature in a social gathering.
- Stammering or excessive sweating then talking to people or a group of people.
- Having gastric problems when given the news of an immediate social gathering that the sufferer will have to participate in.
- People with social anxiety disorder are always anxious over being judged by others. They constantly avoid people to avoid judgment. They are always preoccupied with the tendency to think on these lines – “What others are thinking of me”.
- Extreme discomfort over being watched when doing something. People with social anxiety disorder don’t like people watching them doing something as it makes them more anxious over pulling off the task successfully.
What’s the solution?
Behavioral therapy
- This involves getting the patient to control anxious feelings by invoking breathing techniques. Even yoga is prescribed as a form of meditative physical activity.
- Learning the good effects of thinking positive in negative situations. Learning the art of analyzing situations objectively and not emotionally.
- Learning to challenge social situations upfront. Practicing not to avoid social gatherings. Learning social skills. Learning to communicate clearly. Socializing more. Indulging in activities where ability or interest lies.
Medicine
- Antidepressants are prescribed for extreme cases.
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