Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a recognized psychological condition that affects millions of people. It is not the same as shyness and can be misdiagnosed as other conditions. Treatment is usually a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and medication.
Social anxiety disorder (SAD), also known as social phobia, is a recognized psychological condition that affects millions of people. While many of us can feel anxious at the thought of giving a speech or undergoing a job interview, those with this disorder can experience crippling feelings of inadequacy and public rejection. This should not be confused with panic attack disorder, although some of the physical symptoms may be similar. Sufferers understand intellectually that their fears are largely unfounded, but they cannot use the coping mechanisms that others have mastered. It is as if they live their entire public life under a severe and critical microscope.
This condition is one of five anxiety disorders recognized in the DSM-IV, a classification manual used by psychiatrists and psychologists. Many patients seeking treatment may have already been misdiagnosed as schizophrenic, bipolar, clinically depressed, or agoraphobic. The difference is that many social anxiety disorder sufferers exhibit normal social skills when alone or in small groups in private conditions. It is only when confronted with large groups or unfamiliar environments that the symptoms of SAD are more apparent. The person may feel that others are constantly judging their appearance, or a perceived authority figure will punish them in some way.
Shyness in public is not the same thing as real social anxiety disorder. In fact, it is not even considered a criterion for diagnosis. What matters most is a definite physical and emotional reaction to social circumstances. A SAD sufferer may feel nauseous in front of a corporate mixer or sweat profusely when asked to speak in public. For the afflicted, relief is not simply a matter of coming out of one’s shell or being more animated in public. Many actors and other performers with the condition can function perfectly well on stage, but feel very uncomfortable in the presence of large crowds when they’re not performing.
Treatment is usually a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and various drug regimens. Cognitive behavioral therapy is generally an individual or small group technique in which the counselor and patient discuss anxiety objectively. Over the course of a series of sessions, the patient experiences more and more social interaction and analyzes her reactions. Eventually, many sufferers learn to recognize the triggers and develop ways to deal with them. Mood-altering drugs can also keep patients from experiencing the unnatural ups and downs that often complicate their condition. Social anxiety disorder may not always be treatable, but it can be controlled through cognitive behavioral therapy and personal determination.
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