While many people enjoy the experience of socializing and meeting new people, there are those who suffer from a disorder that makes this a frightening experience. Social Phobia or Social Anxiety Disorder is not simply being introverted and enjoying time alone from others. It is an often debilitating disorder that can keep an individual from participating in school, work, or family functions.
Causes
Social Phobia strikes during public speaking, social gatherings, friendly interactions, or any situation that creates a feeling of vulnerability with others. This disorder is often considered a “self-fulfilling prophecy” in that a person becomes so anxious or nervous about being judged or embarrassed in social situations that their behavior can be off-putting to others, thus making the situations awkward and causing anxiety. Social Phobia can arise from a notable moment in which the person experiences trauma from a real or imagined embarrassing situation, from lack of appropriate socialization during childhood, or it can be a learned fear passed down from a parent to a child.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Social Phobia can be seen in childhood, adolescence and adulthood. Some of the manifestations of this disorder are different for those under the age of 18, but the most of the symptoms are similar in all ages. For a child to be diagnosed with Social Phobia, the behaviors must be present within the child’s peer group and not only specific to interactions with adults. Those suffering from the disorder will attempt to avoid any situation in which they will have to meet new people or where they will be the object of scrutiny. There is a notable amount of performance anxiety in which the abilities and skills of the individual are highly reduced when being watched by others. When it is required that he participate in social interactions he may feel physical discomfort, experience a panic attack, or in the case of children, may throw a tantrum, run away, vomit or show signs of fear. In adults, it is important for the individual to realize that this fear is irrational and distressing. For a diagnosis to be made, the duration of symptoms must be for at least 6 months in children, but in adults there is no minimum time required. The fear of being judged or embarrassed in social situation can create physical symptoms such as an upset stomach, headaches, muscle tension, hyperventilation, rapid heartbeat, sweating, and panic attacks. The physical reactions often exacerbate the anxiety and fear and lead to avoidant behaviors which can lead to Avoidant Personality Disorder in those over the age of 18.
Treatment
The most effective treatment for Social Phobia is Cognitive Behavior Therapy. Techniques used in this therapy include visualization, relaxation, and exposure therapy. It is up to the client to want to change this fear and do the required skill-building outside of therapy. When the distress is so powerful that the client is unable to find the motivation or strength to change, it may be helpful to use medication to calm the physical manifestations of fear first, in order to reduce the fear response. By calming this feedback loop, often the client is able to move forward in dealing with Social Phobia. In children, it is important that the parents follow the therapist’s recommendations in order to avoid accidental aggravation of the disorder. Relaxation techniques are used and practiced in therapy, so that in social situations the client can employ them to decrease fear over time. By using deep breathing and visualization of confidence-invoking images, it is possible to disrupt the negative and debilitating thoughts that would otherwise keep the client in solitude.
