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 contac

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

We can help you if you feel you have anxiety. 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.

We offer social phobia and anxiety therapy in Delray Beach, FL and also across the United States via teletherapy.

Looking for immediate help?
Contact Us Today for a Confidential Assessment.

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