Social Phobia

What is social phobia?

A little bit of social anxiety is a very normal part of life. Managing social anxiety is a part of becoming emotionally mature and accepting of our human nature. Meeting the demands of a new professional role, trying new activities and being out of our comfort zone can trigger anxiety. An extreme form of social anxiety is called social phobia. This disorder triggers by social exposer fear, self-consciousness and embarrassment. Many people also use the word social phobia for this disorder.

The word “phobia” implies that there is an extreme, irrational fear, so when people have a social phobia they are not just a little bit shy or out of their comfort zone. Mainly, people with a social phobia are unbearably anxious, fearful and will attempt to avoid social situations. The onset of this disorder often begins in the early to mid-teens, but can also have a childhood or adult onset.

Causes of Social Anxiety

This disorder can have a genetic origin, social origin or both. This means we are looking at nature and nurture and their interplay. Often this type of disorder affects individuals who have had negative social experiences. These experiences can include misguided parenting/bullying, or any type of public humiliation. Underdeveloped social skills and a lack of experience impact people with social anxiety disorder. They fear of being scrutinized or judged. Social situations (gatherings, work meetings that involve participation, presentations, dating etc.) fill them with dread and the time leading up to the event is fraught with anticipatory anxiety. Social anxiety such great discomfort, that whenever possible, a person with social anxiety will avoid situations that involve people. Unfortunately, this has detrimental effects on a person’s life opportunities, as avoidance behaviors hinder personal, academic, and professional growth and progress.

Symptoms of social phobia

The National Institute of Mental Health (2019) lists the following symptoms and behaviors for affected people:

• Blush, sweat, tremble, feel a rapid heart rate, or feel their “mind going blank”
• Feel or sick to their stomach
• Show a rigid body posture, make little eye contact, or speak with an overly soft voice
• Find it scary and difficult to be with other people, especially those they don’t already know, and have a hard time talking to them even though they wish they could
• Be very self-conscious in front of other people and feel embarrassed and awkward
• Be very afraid that other people will judge them
• Stay away from places where there are other people

This disorder appears on a spectrum from mild to debilitating. This type of anxiety can impede a person’s ability to function in their social, academic and work settings. Firstly, are some students who drop out of college because of in-class presentations. Secondly, there are professionals who are not promoted, because of their inability to speak up or present. Lastly, there quality people who do not have a friendship circle or a mate. The loss of human potential to this disorder can be profound.

Treatment of social phobia

This is a treatable condition and Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective, evidence based treatment approach for social anxiety disorder. The idea behind CBT is that a person begins to change thinking that keeps them trapped in fear and avoidance. A psychologist or counselor will provide a safe, non-judgmental setting. There the patient can discuss their thoughts and feelings to make corrections in their thinking. Psychotherapy also provides an opportunity to gain social experience and competence. The new skills the patient will carry over into other social settings.

Social anxiety disorder has the same physical root cause as any of the other anxiety disorders, like panic disorder, GAD, OCD, or PTSD. The psychiatrist can prescribe medication if your natural human “flight or fight” mechanism is too activated. This will bring your system back to a normal state.

At CHMC we can assess your psychiatric and psychotherapy needs and provide the best possible treatment plan, services and support.