Do You have Social Anxiety Disorder?

Social anxiety disorder is not new. It is often misdiagnosed or even mistaken as a form of
shyness. Many sufferers of social anxiety are not even aware they are experiencing an anxiety
disorder. Approximately 9% of the population suffers from this malady.

Treatment of social anxiety involves counseling, psychotherapy and anxiolytic and anti-depressant medications.

What exactly is this disorder? It is a fear of social situations and interaction
with people due to apprehension regarding negative evaluation, inadequacy, embarrassment and self consciousness. Whenever the patient is exposed to larger social situations, s/he will likely feel markedly distressed and anxious.

This exceeds ordinary shyness and is an actual anxiety disorder when it leads to complete or excessive social avoidance and substantial impairment. It has absolutely nothing to do with one's inadequate personality or weakness in character!

Before treatment the client should make certain that s/he is truly suffering from social anxiety
and not ordinary shyness.

The following are symptoms to look for: Persistent fear or worry, feelings of embarrassment, restlessness, fatigue, sweaty palms, lack of concentration, muscle tension and/or sleep disturbances. When one experiences irritability, shortness of breath and intense anxiety and/or worry when around others one should be aware that s/he may be suffering from a social anxiety disorder.

Its symptoms closely resemble ordinary shyness but can be differentiated because of their intensity.

Social anxiety disorder is treatable. At the early stage, it is critical to receive the appropriate treatment using counseling, medication or a combination; both have demonstrated success in treating social anxiety effectively.

You can ensure that you receive the appropriate combination of treatments by consulting with a
clinical psychologist.

Dr Mike, 847 516 0899; drmike@nextdayappointment.com