Social Anxiety Disorder
Intense fear of social situations and being judged by others.
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Overview
Social Anxiety Disorder is intense persistent fear of social situations and being judged scrutinised humiliated. NOT shyness but paralysing anxiety causing avoidance of everyday situations like eating in public speaking in class making phone calls attending events. People experience physical symptoms racing heart sweating nausea trembling in social situations. They fear others will notice anxiety creating self-fulfilling cycles. Anticipatory anxiety begins days before events. Safety behaviours avoiding eye contact rehearsing responses maintain anxiety. Often begins adolescence persists without treatment. Severely impacts education employment relationships. Many mistakenly seen as unfriendly rude uninterested when actually terrified. Co-occurrence with autism selective mutism depression common. CBT focusing on cognitive restructuring graded exposure effective. Medication SSRIs helps some people. Pushing someone into situations without preparation worsens anxiety. Gradual supported exposure with coping strategies enables progress. Recovery possible with appropriate treatment.
Key Characteristics
- Intense fear of social situations and judgement
- Physical symptoms racing heart sweating nausea
- Avoidance of everyday social interactions
- Anticipatory anxiety days before events
- Fear of others noticing anxiety
- Safety behaviours maintain fear
- Impacts school work relationships
- Often begins in adolescence
What Helps
- CBT with graded exposure
- Cognitive restructuring of anxious thoughts
- Medication SSRIs when appropriate
- Gradual exposure not flooding
- School adjustments presentations alternatives
- Safe person or safe space access
- Validate feelings not avoidance
- Prepare for situations in advance
- Challenge negative predictions gently
- Specialist anxiety services
Note: Informational only. Consult professionals for individualised support.