| Most of us have fears of getting up and speaking in | | | | younger than ten. It is more prevalent in women than |
| public. Many people don't like to go to gatherings | | | | men and can be hereditary. No single cause has been |
| where they don't know anyone. But while most of us | | | | identified for social anxiety disorder. However, |
| soldier on, those with social anxiety disorder are | | | | theories exist that it is linked to an imbalance of |
| often stopped cold in their tracks by the terror and | | | | serotonin in the brain. |
| worry such events instill in them. | | | | Social anxiety disorder should not be confused with |
| Research shows that around fifteen million Americans | | | | panic disorder. Panic disorder sufferers believe that |
| suffer from social anxiety disorder. People with this | | | | they are facing a physical danger. Social anxiety |
| condition feel that they are constantly being | | | | disorder patients, even thought they may have a |
| watched. Even though they know that these fears | | | | panic attack and suffer physical symptoms, are |
| are unreasonable, social anxiety disorder patients | | | | aware that their anxiety stems from irrational fears. |
| cannot overcome their fears on their own. | | | | Those with social anxiety disorder are more likely to |
| Intense blushing, profuse sweating, trembling and | | | | have substance abuse problems as well. They may |
| nausea are the physical symptoms of social anxiety | | | | rely on alcohol or other drugs (not prescribed for the |
| disorder. They agonize over every word said in public | | | | disorder) to help them lose their inhibitions. Most also |
| and can even uncomfortable around friends and | | | | suffer from depression. |
| family. Some are only completely at ease in their own | | | | An important step in overcoming social anxiety |
| company. | | | | disorder is seeking out a therapist who specializes in |
| Social anxiety disorder sufferers are often | | | | treating this type of disorder. Group treatment has |
| misdiagnosed with conditions such as schizophrenia, | | | | been shown to be especially effective. Medication can |
| bi-polar, and personality disorders. Many feel alone, | | | | also help reduce the symptoms of social anxiety |
| unsure that anyone else can even understand their | | | | disorder, but it should definitely not be used as a |
| thoughts and emotions. This can lead to withdrawal | | | | replacement for psychotherapy. |
| from most social situations, even to the extent of | | | | On your own, you can help reduce symptoms of |
| being unable to hold employment. | | | | social anxiety disorder by taking deep breaths and |
| Those who suffer from social anxiety disorder are | | | | practicing medication or prayer. Alcohol and nicotine |
| often dismissed as being shy. This simply is not the | | | | should be avoided, as both can cause panic attacks. |
| case; shyness is not even a criterion for social | | | | Exercise can alleviate the symptoms of social anxiety |
| anxiety disorder. The majority of sufferers find their | | | | disorder, because it burns up the chemicals in your |
| symptoms linked to specific situations, rather than all | | | | body that cause stress, such as adrenaline and |
| types of social interactions. | | | | cortisol. It also boosts your body's creation of |
| Social anxiety disorder often appears in the teen | | | | serotonin, which is a great defense to social anxiety |
| years, although it can actually be seen in children | | | | disorder. |