Social Anxiety Disorder - 7 Frequently Asked Questions
By: John Cielo
Submitted: 2010-08-22 10:58:41 | Word Count: 594
So you want to know about social anxiety disorder? Then you've come to the right place, because here I've listed 7 of the most frequently asked questions about this particular disorder. After reading this you'll be much clearer in your mind about what social anxiety is, what causes it, it's symptoms and your treatment options.
What Is An Anxiety Disorder?
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We all have daily stress and anxiety in our lives, but we get over them and move on without much problem, because we can control our fears. But somebody suffering from general anxiety disorder (GAD) cannot control their fears. They are continually on edge, stressed and fearful about issues and things in a way that is totally irrational and way more than the situation warrants. And this fear is so acute that it impacts their daily lives.
So What Is Social Anxiety Disorder?
It is a specific type of anxiety disorder where the sufferer has an irrational fear of social interaction, especially where they might have to 'perform' in some way. For example, public speaking (like weddings, clubs, workplace, etc.), eating together with other people, job interview, having to go in a public toilet, etc. Many sufferers not liking to be touched, is just another example.
You Mean It's Just Like A Phobia?
That's exactly what it is. As I said previously, anxiety disorder sufferers' fears are totally irrational and unwarranted. But like any phobia it's real for them, and the fear of humiliation and embarrassment can be so intense for social anxiety sufferers, that they hide from putting themselves into those social situations. This impacts their quality of life quite dramatically.
What Are The Symptoms To Look For?
When caught in a situation that they lose control in, social anxiety sufferers will have a frightening panic attack. The most common symptoms are; tightness in chest, choking feeling, hot / cold flashes, trembling, nausea, lightheadedness / dizziness, tingling extremities, racing heartbeat, hyperventilation, feeling detached from reality and of impending doom.
How Is It Usually Treated?
Mainstream treatment usually consists of prescription medications (e.g. antidepressants, tranquilizers) to help you manage your mood swings and to calm you. For physical symptoms such as trembling, shaking etc. there are beta-blockers. But these drugs have to be administered very carefully and accurately because they can have serious side effects, including long term dependency issues.
Are There Any Natural Ways To Treat Social Anxiety Disorder?
There certainly are. Social anxiety disorder sufferers are increasingly turning to herbal and homeopathic remedies without the horrible side effects of prescription medications. And there are other things like making particular changes to your diet and even lifestyle, self-help groups, counselling, and so on, even acupuncture.
Are These Alternative Remedies Effective?
Whether you use alternative remedies or prescription medications, unless you can eliminate your underlying fear, curing your social anxiety disorder will be very difficult. For example, the very fear of having a panic attack adds to your already high anxiety levels and can itself trigger the panic attack you're trying to avoid. This is called your anxiety cycle, and you need to break it in order to finally cure your social phobia.
Author Resource:-
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