Social Anxiety Disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder (pronounced soh-shuhl ang-zahy-i-tee dis-awr-der), also known as Social Phobia, is a type of Anxiety Disorder characterized by an intense fear of social situations.
Etymology
The term "Social Anxiety Disorder" is derived from the Latin word "socius" meaning "companion" and the Greek words "angst" meaning "fear" and "disorder" meaning "disorder".
Definition
Social Anxiety Disorder is a chronic mental health condition in which social interactions cause irrational anxiety and fear. Individuals with Social Anxiety Disorder fear that they will be humiliated, embarrassed, or judged by others. This fear can affect work, school, and other day-to-day activities. It may even make it hard to make and keep friends.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder can include intense fear of social situations, avoidance of social situations, physical symptoms such as blushing, sweating, trembling, nausea, and difficulty speaking. These symptoms can be so disruptive that they make it hard to meet new people, maintain relationships, and progress at work or in school.
Treatment
Treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder involves psychological counseling and sometimes medications such as Antidepressants, Beta Blockers, and Benzodiazepines. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the most effective form of counseling for Social Anxiety Disorder. It helps you identify and change thought patterns that lead to fear and anxiety.
Related Terms
- Anxiety Disorder
- Social Phobia
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Antidepressants
- Beta Blockers
- Benzodiazepines
This WikiMD.org article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.