Stalling Social Anxiety Disorder
The thought of going out after work with co-workers sparks feelings of dread. Speaking in front of large groups of people brings a new definition to the word “fear.” Asking someone out brings out the flop sweats just thinking about it. You could have social anxiety disorder.
Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is avoidance of situations that make you feel uncomfortable or might be judged by others in a negative manner. It is a disabling fear of everyday social situations. It is more than shyness in that SAD interferes with the ability to function and your relationships with others.
An estimated 12.1 percent of adults in the United States experience social anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. SAD is more prevalent in women than men. According to a 2007 survey by Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 36 percent of people with SAD report experiencing symptoms for 10 or more years before seeking help.
Some signs and symptoms of the disease are worry about embarrassing or humiliating yourself, fear of interacting or talking to strangers, fear that others will note that you look anxious, avoidance of situations where you might be the center of attention, avoidance of doing things or speaking to others because of fear of embarrassment, and intense fear or anxiety during social situations.
Some physical symptoms that can manifest as a result of SAD are trembling, sweating, blushing, nausea or upset stomach, dizziness or light-headedness, and muscle tension. Even entering a room where people are already seated or making eye contact can provoke fear.
Possible causes of SAD may include inherited traits (SAD may run in families), brain structure (the amygdala is responsible for controlling your fear response. An overactive amygdala may signal increased anxiety and fear in social situations), and environment (some experts believe that SAD may be a learned behavior where some people may experience anxiety after an embarrassing situation or your parents may model this behavior).
Certain factors can raise the risk of developing SAD such as temperament (some children may be timid or shy and more at risk for this condition), negative experiences (children who have issues with teasing, bullying, humiliation or ridicule may be more vulnerable to SAD), having an appearance or condition that draws attention (for example, facial disfigurement or tremors from Parkinson’s disease may heighten feelings of self-consciousness and trigger SAD), new social or work demands (SAD usually starts in the teenage years but meeting new people or giving a speech may trigger SAD symptoms for the first time), and family history (you are likely to develop SAD if your parents or other family members have it).
How can one person shrug off a situation while another is convinced he’s having an heart attack? It is a feeling that people with SAD are familiar with. Part of the answer may lie in the areas of the brain that process fear. When a human faces danger, the body transmits two signals to the brain. One takes a slower path to the cerebral cortex, which considers the threat in detail. The second shoots straight to the amygdala, composed of two almond-shaped structures near the temple.
The amygdala sets off the fear response: The heart pounds, blood is diverted to the muscles for quick action. Energy-boosting hormones are released. The immune system drops.
And, in what may be key for anxiety sufferers, that fear response is etched upon the amygdala as a preventative measure for the future. It seems that etched memory is easily triggered among people with anxiety disorders.
Treatment for SAD includes psychotherapy (cognitive behavioral therapy has been effective for treating anxiety) and medication such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). Your doctor may prescribe paroxetine (Paxil) or sertraline (Zoloft).
The serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) venlafaxine (Effexor XR) is another option for treating SAD.
Some other types of medication to treat SAD may be other antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs and beta blockers.
Also, start small when conquering your fears. For example, agree to meet up for lunch with a friend in a public setting. Work your way up to accepting a party invitation. It helps to start with something light when addressing SAD. Remember everyone’s situation is unique to them. Some people outgrow SAD and can stop taking medication, while others may have to continue their meds to avoid a relapse. Just know that you are doing the best you can regardless to manage your condition.
