Social anxiety is a disorder that is often associated with embarrassment, self-consciousness, and discomfort around interacting socially. It's a common condition that affects up to 13% of Australian adults, and it tends to occur in adolescence and young adulthood. Social anxiety disorder is characterised by:
- Excessive shyness and awkwardness.
- Fear of social situations or places.
- Phobia of interacting with people.
- Intense fear of being judged.
It may feel like a life sentence for those suffering from it, but some things can be done to reduce or eliminate its effects. This post will cover some of the top medical ways to reduce the impact of this disorder, along with some more therapeutic options that you can use in conjunction to get the best results.
What Is Social Anxiety Order?
Social anxiety disorder is a mental health disorder characterised by overwhelming and persistent fear of social situations. The person with social anxiety disorder may be afraid to speak with others or perform in front of them. They may be afraid to go out in public or fear that they will have a panic attack in front of people. The intensity of this fear can range from mild to extreme. As a result, they tend to avoid any situation where they are likely to be the centre of attention, such as public speaking, performing arts and even some forms of socialising like small talk or meeting new people at parties. This can impact their lives to such a degree that having anything resembling a personal relationship seems entirely out of the question as attempting to balance a social life with managing anxiety can be challenging. These situations can become intensely lonely, further exacerbating the condition and locking people into a position that they find challenging to escape. Luckily, you can manage the problem in several ways, from medications to more holistic methods.
Medically-approved Ways To Deal With Social Anxiety Disorder
There are a few medically-approved ways to deal with this type of disorder. One way is to take medication, such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs. You can also seek the help of a therapist with cognitive-behavioural therapy training (CBT). A third option is to try mindfulness meditation, which has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in many people. Though the latter options are worthwhile, people who suffer from severe symptoms will require medication to control the symptoms and feel more at ease in social situations.
Medical Methods
A range of medications has been developed to enable people with acute symptoms to live everyday lives. These range from SSRIs to MAOIs. Let's examine some of the most common medical options for treating this mental illness.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, are a class of antidepressants used to treat depression and other mood disorders. An SSRI increases the amount of serotonin in the brain . In addition to regulating mood and emotions, serotonin is a neurotransmitter enabling the regulation of certain chemicals. SSRIs are recommended for those who have not responded well to other treatments, those who have moderate to severe depression, and those who have had two or more episodes of depression within the past year. While they are arguably one of the most effective drugs available for various mental disorders, they can create strong withdrawal effects if not tapered down effectively.
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors or SNRIs are a type of antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and even some forms of chronic pain. These drugs prevent the brain from recycling the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors are a type of drug that inhibits the enzyme monoamine oxidase. It is an enzyme in the body that breaks down neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, responsible for mood and emotions. They were once widely used due to their effectiveness, but they are now less widely used because of their high risk of side effects, including:
- Low blood pressure
- Weight gain
- Muscle cramps
- Paresthesia
- Dangerous interactions with particular food and drink
- Dangerous interactions with other drugs
Beta-Blockers
Beta-blockers are a type of medication used to lower blood pressure and slow heart rate. They work by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors, which are located in the heart and other parts of the body. Consequently, your heart rate will slow down, your blood pressure will drop, and your stress level will decrease. They can help reduce the common involuntary spasms associated with anxiety disorder regarding anxiety.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are a type of psychoactive drug used to treat anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and a raft of other neurological disorders. A benzodiazepine works by increasing the effects of a chemical called gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA). This chemical is found in the brain and helps reduce stress and produce a calming effect. Benzodiazepines are also known as tranquillisers because they cause sedation and relaxation, which can help people sleep better or feel less anxious. The most common of which is Valium, otherwise known as diazepam.
Therapeutic methods
Although drugs often provide the best results, there are other things you can do to relieve anxiety.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy used to identify and change the dysfunctional patterns of thinking or behaviour that are causing emotional and mental distress. CBT has been proven to be one of the most effective treatments for various mental disorders, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Eating disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation is a form of meditation that focuses on being aware of your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. During this practice, your awareness is focused on the present moment. It can be done by sitting down in a quiet place and following the breath as it goes in and out of your body. Mindfulness meditation is a form of treatment that has been used to help those who suffer from anxiety disorders. It has been found to be effective in reducing feelings of stress and anxiety, especially for those who experience social anxiety disorder.
With such a large percentage of the population suffering from social anxiety disorder, it is no surprise that many drugs are available to treat it. In addition to medication, holistic methods such as CBT and mindfulness meditation have also been shown to be effective.
If you need to talk to someone about social anxiety or another mental health condition, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor will be able to create a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) for you, allowing you to access a number of Medicare subsidised mental health appointments.
THe fastest and easiest way to search for and book psychology appointments online is with MyHealth1st