Social Anxiety Disorder: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Social Anxiety Disorder: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Social anxiety disorder is different from shyness. Shyness can make mixing with other people awkward, but social anxiety disorder can be debilitating. With social anxiety disorder, working or studying alongside other people and meeting strangers can feel overwhelming.

Learn more about social anxiety disorder, its symptoms, causes and treatment in this guide from government-licensed Saudi mental health service, Estenarh.

Key Takeaways

• Social anxiety disorder is more intense and persistent than everyday shyness.
• Symptoms can include both psychological fears and physical symptoms.
• Causes often combine genetics, brain function and past experiences.
• CBT and counseling are proven, effective treatments.
• Estenarh offers licensed, confidential online therapy in Saudi Arabia.

What Is Social Anxiety Disorder?

Social anxiety disorder is a persistent and overwhelming fear of social situations.

In the run-up to a novel social situation like a job interview, starting a new school, or giving a presentation, it is normal to feel shy or nervous. However, with social anxiety disorder, you may feel intensely distressed or constantly anxious, even in relation to everyday social situations that others appear to take in their stride.

If your feelings of stress and anxiety are preventing you from socializing and you are fearful of mixing with people at school, college or work, it is possible that you have social anxiety disorder.

What Are the Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder?

There are both psychological and physical symptoms of social anxiety disorder, which can range from mild to severe. Social anxiety disorder doesn’t always appear the same among people. The disorder may manifest as avoidance behavior, a fear of people, or extreme fear of being judged, for example.

You may have some of all these symptoms.

Psychological symptoms include:

• Feelings of dread when you know you’ll be in the spotlight
• Intense fear of meeting new people
• A debilitating worry that others will notice you are embarrassed or nervous
• Avoiding new social situations

Accompanying physical symptoms can include:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Flushing red in the face
• Sweating
• An upset stomach or nausea
• Breathlessness
• Tense muscles
• Dizziness

What Causes Social Anxiety Disorder?

The cause of social anxiety disorder, like many other mental conditions, is rarely straightforward. Usually, a variety of biological and environmental factors interact to bring it about.

Research shows that social anxiety disorder is more common when:

• You have family members with the same condition.
• You have an overactive part of the brain called the amygdala, which results in a heightened fear response.
• You have experienced traumatic, embarrassing or difficult social situations in the past.
• You have physical health problems, a disability or a long-term illness.
• Influential people, particularly parents, have modeled anxious behavior or been very overprotective.

How Is Social Anxiety Treated?

Social anxiety treatments fall into two broad categories: medication and counseling.

Medication

If a doctor diagnoses the disorder, there are various medications they may prescribe to improve social anxiety symptoms. Social anxiety medication may allow you to function better in social situations while you are taking it, but it doesn’t treat the cause.

Counseling

Counseling therapies usually involve talking to a mental health practitioner, either face-to-face or online.

There are several techniques counselors may use to help you find ways to manage your anxiety in social situations, avoid negative or spiraling thought patterns, and learn new social skills and techniques that will help you interact with others.

In Saudi Arabia, Estenarh is a digital platform licensed by the Ministry of Health that provides online therapy for social anxiety disorder. Get support in a comfortable and safe online environment that always stays mindful of Saudi culture and customs.

The Estenarh App

Download the Estenarh app and easily book sessions for social anxiety disorder. We ensure privacy and protect your information using security protocols. We promise confidentiality and will not share your data with any third party.

Don’t let the symptoms of social anxiety disrupt your future. Start your journey towards recovery with the help of Estenarh!