Social anxiety disorder: the Least Understood Anxiety Disorder

Do you constantly feel like others are observing you? Do you find feel anxious about eating in public. Do you find it difficult meeting new people... Do you start trembling and sweating at the thought of attending a social gathering? If someone has ever felt this way then they may have social anxiety disorder.

Social phobia is different from shyness. When you begin to date or close contests in any of the participating sports events or first interview for jobs can make anyone feel nervous and you feel like you have "butterflies" in your stomach. But this type of anxiety is temporary. Social anxiety is an extreme case of shyness. It can keep you withdraw from normal social activities and it disrupt daily activities. Social anxiety sufferers want to intermingle with others, but are prevailing over with fear.

What is social anxiety disorder?

Social anxiety disorder (hereafter it is SAD) also known as social phobia is an anxiety disorder in which a person has a pointless and irrational fear of social situations. Anxiety (extreme nervousness) and hang-up crop up from an apprehension of being closely observed, judged and assessed by others.

SAD sufferers are afraid that they will make slip-ups and be humiliated or disgraced in front of others. The fear is worsened by a lack of social skills or inexperience in social activities. The extreme concern can lead to a panic attack. The people may avoid social activities altogether and results in complete withdrawal. Besides, "anticipatory" anxiety is more common with people with social anxiety disorder which is an unreasonable fear of a situation before it even happens. In many cases, even though the person is aware that the fear is irrational, they are unable to conquer it.

People with SAD suffer from fuzzy thinking, together with absurd beliefs about social situations and the unenthusiastic opinions of others. Social anxiety disorder can hamper with the person's normal daily activities, including office, family and social activities.

A diagnosis of SAD can specify either a "specific disorder" or a "general disorder". A specific disorder is related to some particular situations which cause social anxiety. A generalized social anxiety disorder characteristically involves a continual, extreme, and persistent fear of being criticized by others and of potentially being humiliated or shamed by their own actions. These fears can be set off by apparent or real scrutiny by others. Nearly 14 percent of the general population suffers from social anxiety disorder at some point in their lifetime. Males are somewhat more predisposed to suffer from social anxiety disorder than females.

Physical Symptoms

Physical symptoms of SAD differ from person to person but below are a general list of symptoms associated with this mental disorder.

• Pounding heartbeat
• Dry throat and mouth
• Spontaneous twitching
• Profuse sweating
• Cold, clammy hands
• Tense muscles
• Trembling or shaking
• Self-consciousness

Self-care to Recovery

You've taken the first step on the road to recovery, by learning about social anxiety disorder. First, evaluate your fears to categorize what situations cause the most fretfulness. Seek help from a doctor if your normal activities are extremely disrupted due to the anxiety disorder.

Keep this in mind

• Don't let others dampen your spirits. There's no need to be embarrassed; social anxiety disorder is just like any other illness
• Try to get more details about social anxiety disorder. Visit the various Internet Web sites, read the journals or ask your doctor for more information.
• In the exposure therapy used in Cognitive behavior therapy, patients gradually work up to facing the situations they fear most. So seek support from your friends and family. The very nature of social anxiety disorder makes it difficult for you. But proactively try to chat more with others and find it a very supportive and encouraging experience.
• Take an active role in your recovery. Don't give up if treatment doesn't work quickly; feel free to discuss your treatment program with your doctor.
• Dine out with a close friend or acquaintance in a public setting.
• Practice certain Positive coping methods which include driving out downbeat thoughts about you, practicing relaxation exercises and stress management techniques.

The most important thing is that you can overcome social anxiety disorder. Recuperation may take time, but its well worth the effort.

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