Jeanne Latiolais, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER
Social Anxiety Disorder: Caustic Self-Consciousness
We humans are social creatures. It is only natural that we spend a great deal of energy trying to be accepted by others.
Billion-dollar industries play upon our hopes to be attractive, admired, and even envied with everything from cosmetics to convertibles.
But for some, the concern about fitting in becomes an all-consuming one. These are individuals who withdraw from socializing not because they enjoy being alone, but because it is too painful, too anxiety provoking to be with others.
The name for this immobilizing problem is Social Anxiety Disorder. Though only receiving significant attention within the past two decades, social anxiety is a real and pervasive problem.
Billion-dollar industries play upon our hopes to be attractive, admired, and even envied with everything from cosmetics to convertibles.
But for some, the concern about fitting in becomes an all-consuming one. These are individuals who withdraw from socializing not because they enjoy being alone, but because it is too painful, too anxiety provoking to be with others.
The name for this immobilizing problem is Social Anxiety Disorder. Though only receiving significant attention within the past two decades, social anxiety is a real and pervasive problem.
Surprisingly common, this illness occurs in as much as 13 percent of the general population. Those who suffer from it are often shy as teenagers, or can recall a humiliating or embarrassing experience that preceded their self-consciousness.
Individuals with social anxiety experience feelings of fear in social or performance situations, such as public speaking, meeting new people, or dating. They may begin sweating, or feel a racing heart rate, shortness of breath, or difficulty concentrating when faced with interacting with others. Some are unable to perform work demands, such as giving presentations or meeting with new clients, because of their worries.
Sometimes a person with social anxiety is painfully shy in nearly all social situations. They are concerned about others liking them and are often preoccupied with the worry that they will do or say something embarrassing. Though the person recognizes their fears are unreasonable, they feel unable to prevent the extreme anxiety that occurs in these situations, and may experience panic attacks.
Why do so many people develop this debilitating concern? The origins of social anxiety appear related in part to a natural survival mechanism. Humans need to belong to social groups for safety, and possess finely tuned skills for monitoring their acceptance and status in interpersonal situations. In Social Anxiety Disorder, this skill is oversensitive, registering rejection and danger when there is none. Genetics appear to play a large role in determining who will develop this oversensitivity.
Over time, social anxiety can cause significant life problems. Poor social skills, social avoidance, underachieving at work or school, and isolation and loneliness often result. Depression and suicidal feelings can emerge. Some individuals attempt to “self-medicate” their anxieties with drinking or drug use, or they may develop eating disorders. In fact, about 20% of those treated for alcohol problems were found to have an underlying diagnosis of Social Anxiety Disorder.
But social anxiety is treatable. Both medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy are proven treatments for alleviating this problem. Therapy takes the form of behavioral interventions, such as encouraging small steps toward facing social fears, and learning effective social skills to encourage confidence.
Thoughts are targeted in cognitive therapy, including unrealistic expectations, perfectionism, and catastrophic misinterpretations as they apply to social interactions. Associated problems, such as alcohol abuse, must be addressed as well.
With treatment, people with Social Anxiety are able to conquer their fears, regaining their personal and professional lives. They can once again enjoy participating in life as social beings, instead of withdrawing or living in dread.
Individuals with social anxiety experience feelings of fear in social or performance situations, such as public speaking, meeting new people, or dating. They may begin sweating, or feel a racing heart rate, shortness of breath, or difficulty concentrating when faced with interacting with others. Some are unable to perform work demands, such as giving presentations or meeting with new clients, because of their worries.
Sometimes a person with social anxiety is painfully shy in nearly all social situations. They are concerned about others liking them and are often preoccupied with the worry that they will do or say something embarrassing. Though the person recognizes their fears are unreasonable, they feel unable to prevent the extreme anxiety that occurs in these situations, and may experience panic attacks.
Why do so many people develop this debilitating concern? The origins of social anxiety appear related in part to a natural survival mechanism. Humans need to belong to social groups for safety, and possess finely tuned skills for monitoring their acceptance and status in interpersonal situations. In Social Anxiety Disorder, this skill is oversensitive, registering rejection and danger when there is none. Genetics appear to play a large role in determining who will develop this oversensitivity.
Over time, social anxiety can cause significant life problems. Poor social skills, social avoidance, underachieving at work or school, and isolation and loneliness often result. Depression and suicidal feelings can emerge. Some individuals attempt to “self-medicate” their anxieties with drinking or drug use, or they may develop eating disorders. In fact, about 20% of those treated for alcohol problems were found to have an underlying diagnosis of Social Anxiety Disorder.
But social anxiety is treatable. Both medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy are proven treatments for alleviating this problem. Therapy takes the form of behavioral interventions, such as encouraging small steps toward facing social fears, and learning effective social skills to encourage confidence.
Thoughts are targeted in cognitive therapy, including unrealistic expectations, perfectionism, and catastrophic misinterpretations as they apply to social interactions. Associated problems, such as alcohol abuse, must be addressed as well.
With treatment, people with Social Anxiety are able to conquer their fears, regaining their personal and professional lives. They can once again enjoy participating in life as social beings, instead of withdrawing or living in dread.