Dr. Rosen is a Board-Certified Psychologist, the Founder and Director of The Center for Treatment of Anxiety and Mood Disorders, and Founder of The Children’s Center for Psychiatry Psychology and Related Services.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Are You Affected By Any Of These Symptoms?
Low self-esteem
Trouble being assertive
Negative self-talk
Sensitivity to criticism
Poor social skills
Avoidance of social situations or extreme discomfort while in these situations
Could You Have Social Anxiety Disorder?
The above symptoms, coupled with an unreasonable fear of situations in which you believe others are judging you, combine to create a condition known as social anxiety disorder. People with this disorder often have difficulty performing basic interactive functions like going to the grocery store or writing checks in public. Though these tasks might seem simple to the average person, they can cause extreme fear and self-consciousness for a person who suffers from this condition.
Free Social Anxiety Test
If you think you may suffer from social anxiety disorders, take our Free Social Anxiety Test. If you have any questions or need help, contact us immediately.
Emotional And Behavioral Signs Of Social Anxiety Disorder Include:
Fear of being in situations with unfamiliar people
Fear of situations in which you may be judged
Concern about embarrassing or humiliating yourself
Fear that others will notice you’re anxious
Anxiety that disrupts your daily routine, work, school, or other activities
Avoiding situations where you might be the center of attention
Physical Signs Of Social Anxiety Disorder Include:
Blushing
Shaking
Nausea
Difficulty talking
Shaky voice
Muscle tension
Confusion
Cold and clammy hands
Difficulty making eye contact
If you have social anxiety disorder you may experience all or most of these symptoms during the simplest of social functions, even if you are not the center of attention. In most cases, people who experience this disorder are aware they are making more of a situation than may be warranted, but they still worry about having symptoms that will betray them. This extra concern often causes or increases the anxiety they typically feel in social situations.
What Causes Social Anxiety Disorder?
Extensive research has revealed several possible reasons for this debilitating condition, including:
Chemical changes
Growing up in a family that exhibits anxious behavior
A heightened fear response from the brain
Having parents who were over-protective or controlling
Childhood experiences of:
Teasing
Bullying
Rejection
Ridicule
Humiliation
Approximately 3-13% of the people in Western countries suffer from social anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. The condition begins in the early-to-mid teens for most people and occurs in women more often than in men.
Social Anxiety Treatment
Social anxiety disorder can often lead to substance abuse, excessive drinking, depression, or suicide. Even without these extreme instances, people who suffer from this disorder will find that it dramatically affects their life, often interfering with work, school, relationships, or one’s enjoyment of life.
Specific Social Anxiety Treatments:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has been shown to improve symptoms in up to 75% of people treated. This treatment focuses on the idea that your own thoughts (not those of other people) determine how you behave or react. In vivo exposure therapy is another successful treatment. Through this therapy, patients work up to facing the situations they fear the most. Exposure therapy induces situations that allow you to become better able to cope with anxiety while participating in role playing to practice social skills. Relaxation and stress management techniques are often also employed. Medications are also useful. There is no need for you to suffer any longer.
Please contact us today. We are here to help.