Social anxiety treatment helps patients overcome the negative effects of this isolating disorder. When untreated, social anxiety disorder can get in the way of family, friendships, and romantic relationships. It can even make going to the grocery store difficult. If you have noticed the signs or a flare-up of previously overcome symptoms, a psychiatrist may help you regain control of your life.
The primary symptom of social anxiety disorder (previously known as social phobia) is the intense fear that one is being judged and will ultimately be humiliated or rejected. This condition is different from being shy, however. With social anxiety, the fear mentioned above is often accompanied by the following symptoms:
As a result of these symptoms, many have a hard time being around other people. They often report feeling extremely self-conscious, awkward, or scared to socialize. Their mind may go blank, or their voice may get shaky. They may even start to self-isolate.
A psychiatrist can diagnose social anxiety and recommend treatments. The first step will be to discuss the symptoms that are negatively impacting the patient’s life the most; some patients experience more severe symptoms than others. Mild social anxiety, for example, may make socializing hard but not impossible. On the other hand, patients with severe social anxiety may experience panic attacks during social situations that lead them to avoid others.
Treatment will vary depending on the nature and severity of the patient’s symptoms. A psychiatrist will typically recommend either prescription medication, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or both. A social anxiety treatment plan may incorporate more than one of these treatment methods. Take a closer look below.
Antidepressants
A psychiatrist may recommend one of several prescription medications to treat social anxiety disorder. The most common are antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, citalopram, or sertraline. Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs, are also an option. This class of medications includes duloxetine and venlafaxine.
Benzodiazepines
Antidepressants are not the only medication option for patients with social anxiety, however. A psychiatrist may prescribe benzodiazepines (benzos) for short-term use. Unlike antidepressants, these medications are not to be used regularly because there is a higher chance of developing a dependency on them. It is considered safe to take them under the care and supervision of a psychiatrist.
Beta-blockers
Certain beta-blockers—such as propranolol or metoprolol—may be prescribed as well. These are effective for patients who have the most trouble with the physical symptoms of social anxiety. Beta-blockers are shown to reduce high blood pressure and slow down a racing heart. They can also reduce shaking in the hands and voice.
Regardless of the type of medication prescribed, psychotherapy is a key component of any social anxiety treatment. Currently, cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is a form of psychotherapy widely used to treat a range of mental disorders—social anxiety included. In CBT, a patient works with a mental health professional to replace unhelpful thought patterns with more productive ones. This is why it can be easily adapted to treat various disorders.
CBT for social anxiety involves identifying which events and social situations “trigger” the patient, the beliefs the patient holds about them, and how they then respond to these beliefs both emotionally and through the actions they take. CBT helps uncover patterns of irrational thinking, like fearing that missing a social cue could ruin a friendship and lead to humiliation. The patient will learn how to respond more rationally to their fears so that they can overcome them.
Recovery is not linear for any mental disorder. Patients who have gotten their symptoms under control may later find that certain situations, such as public speaking or a first date, cause their symptoms to flare up. A psychiatrist may prescribe a higher dose of medication like antidepressants or short-term medication (e.g., benzodiazepines) for relief during these times.
Additionally, it is recommended to bring up any concerns about or experiences with symptom flare-ups during psychotherapy. The mental health professional may advise the patient on weathering these ups and downs. Generally, this will involve using coping strategies the patient has found success with previously but adapting them to fit the cause of the flare-up.
Social anxiety treatment can help you improve your social life and sense of well-being. If you have been struggling with symptoms of social anxiety, contact our New York psychiatrist for assistance. We are proud to help patients live the lives they want and deserve.
Request an appointment here: https://nycpsychiatricassociates.com or call NYC Psychiatric Associates at (917) 391-0076 for an appointment in our New York office.
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