Social Anxiety Disorders

The study of Social anxiety shows no clear causes for its variety of symptoms, but psychologists have been able to determined triggers and possible factors for its development. As psychologists continue to study social phobia, they have determined many possible causes. Since the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, psychologists have

“Is a 17-item Likert-type self-report instrument assessing fear, avoidance, and physiological symptoms associated with social phobia”

Many people experience butterflies in their stomach, sweaty palms, pounding of the heart or a combination of all three in intimidating social situations. But for many, over 15 million American adults, “this anxiety causes extreme self-consciousness in everyday social or performance situations” (SAD Brochure, pg. 2). For these individuals, their anxiety occurs during simple tasks like ordering food or making a phone call. This brochure attempts to inform their audience about what Social Anxiety Disorder is, how this disorder affects these individuals, and how to get treatment for it. The ADAA has created this Social Anxiety Disorder brochure, that incorporates many “adapting strategies” (Penrose and Katz 2010, pg. 205), appeals

This essay will discuss the mental disorder known as Social Phobia. The major symptoms of this disorder will be identified before critically considering the difficulties regarding the diagnosis of Social Phobia. Biological and psychosocial explanations will be explored and evaluated appropriately in order to gain a better understanding of this disorder. Furthermore, the treatments in terms of medication and behavioural therapies will be scrutinised and appraised suitably.

Social anxiety disorder, which is also called social phobia involves overwhelming worry and self-consciousness about everyday social situations. The worry often centers on a fear of being judged by others, or behaving in a way that might cause embarrassment or lead to ridicule. The fear may be made worse by a lack of social skills or experience in social situations. The anxiety can build into a panic attack. As a result of the fear, the person endures certain social situations in extreme distress or may avoid them altogether. In addition, people with social anxiety disorder often suffer anticipatory anxiety, the fear of a situation before it even happens, for days or weeks before the event. In many cases, the person is aware that the fear is unreasonable, yet is unable to overcome it. (Goldberg)

My topic is Social Anxiety Disorder. One of the most broadly researched and applied treatments for Social Anxiety Disorder is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Wersebe, Sijbrandij & Cuijpers, 2013). Cognitive Behavioral Therapies typically include a vast range of techniques, such as exposure to social stimuli, tasks, and cognitive restructuring (Wersebe, Sijbrandij & Cuijpers, 2013). During exposure, the client is exposed to feared social situations despite experiencing distress (Wersebe, Sijbrandij & Cuijpers, 2013). Several aspects of social anxiety and Social Anxiety Disorder are linked to the concept of shame (Hedman, Strom, Stunkel & Mortberg, 2013). Shame and social anxiety have common features, but this association is stronger for external than internal shame (Hedman, Strom, Stunkel & Mortberg, 2013).

This type of Anxiety Disorder has a direct correlation relating to social situations. A person experiencing this disorder has a chronic fear of other people’s perceptions of them. They are especially likely to avoid any situation where they are being observed by others such as giving presentations or activities that must be performed in front of an audience, large or small. In extreme circumstances where social anxiety disorder exists, a person will avoid social situations all together and will become a “hermit” in their own individual abode. This disorder is impairing to one’s normal life functioning because it often affects a person’s ability to perform the essential duties in a work environment. It also deters them from engaging in typical conversations because the fear of being embarrassed or judged is so extreme (Fleming, 2012).

Social Phobia, also called social anxiety disorder (SAD), is one of the most common, but misconstrued mental health problems in society. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), over 15 million adults suffer from the disorder. First appearing in the DSM-III as Social Phobia, and later in the DSM-IV as Social Anxiety Disorder, this newly established disorder denotes afflicting stress and anxiety associated with social situations (Zakri 677). According to James W. Jefferson, two forms of Social phobia exist: specific and generalized. Specific social phobia indicates anxiety limited to few performance situations, while generalized indicates anxiety in all social situations (Jefferson). Many people often interchangeably link this disorder to shyness––a personality trait. However, although they have striking similarities, the two are divergent. To begin with, SAD has an extensive etiology ranging from multiple factors. Furthermore, symptoms of various aspects accompany SAD. Moreover, SAD has detrimental impacts affecting quality of life. Lastly, SAD has numerous methods of treatment. Social Phobia is prevalent in both women and men beginning at the onset of puberty (ADAA).

Social anxiety, also called social phobia, is a disorder that affects 200,000 to 3 million people a year. It is the fear of communication with other people and, as a result, leads to avoidance of social interaction (Richards, 2012). People with social anxiety usually experience major distress in situations such as being the center of attention, meeting new people, and being observed or watched while doing something. In the article “Anxiety, emotional security and the interpersonal behavior of individuals with social anxiety disorder”, the authors want to learn how people with social anxiety disorder compare with a control group in social situations. They observed the differences in the participants’ interpersonal behavior; which includes both verbal and nonverbal communication, such as body language or facial expressions. The purpose of this research was to gather further information about the effects of this disorder and how people with this disorder compare to the average person.

Among all anxiety problems, social anxiety disorder is most common anxiety issue and third most common problem in all mental complications (American Psychiatric Association, 2000; Hofmann & Bogels, 2006). SAD is a mental disorder which has a tendency to become chronic and badly disturbs normal functions of life if not diagnosed and treated in time (Beesdo-Baum, et al., 2012; Garcia-Lopez, Piqueras, Diaz-Castela, & Ingles, 2008). It is also among the most prevailing mental disorders and is described in Criterion A of DSM-V as “Marked fear or anxiety about one or more social situations in which the individual is exposed to possible scrutiny by others. Examples include social interactions (e.g., having a conversation, meeting unfamiliar people), being observed (e.g., eating or drinking), and performing in front of others (e.g., giving a speech)” (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). A specific amount of anxiety is always anticipated socially and helps an individual managing future threats (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). But having social anxiety means that anxiety is too much for normal functioning during social situations and often interferes with

Over fifteen million people in the United States are diagnosed with social anxiety, and in today’s world the number of causes linked to social media is on the rise. Most of these cases are in individuals starting at thirteen, but the ages rage significantly. According to The American Association of Depression and Anxiety social anxiety can be defined as, “The extreme fear of being scrutinized and judged by others in social or performance situations.” This type of anxiety is closely linked with feeling of loneliness; and this loneliness only intensifies the feelings of anxiety and paranoia. Social paranoia stems from the fear rejection. These individuals are terrified they will humiliate or embarrass themselves, so they simply withdraw. This specificity type of anxiety interferes significantly with daily routines, occupational performance, or social life, making it difficult to complete school, interview and get a job, create true friendships and romantic relationships.

(Clark & Beck,2010) There is a “marked and persistent fear of social or performance situations in which embarrassment may occur” DSM-IV-TR; APA, 2000, p.450) Social Phobics seem unable to assess friendly facial expressions. (Ballenger,2009) They have an enhanced vigilance to angry faces relative to happy and neutral faces. (Mogg,2004) This affects interpersonal functioning. (Joorman, 2006)

The Social anxiety Association classifies social anxiety as the fear of interacting with other and social situations. Social anxiety causes fear and anxiety in most if not all aspects of ones lives. Social anxiety is the fear of being negatively judge or evaluated by others. It is a chronic disease that it does not go away on its own, only direct cognitive-behavioral therapy can help people overcome their social anxiety. There are a few situations that can trigger social anxiety such as being introduced to

Social anxiety disorder (social phobia) can be described as an extreme, persistent fear of being scrutinized or judged by others in social situations. This fear may lead to feelings of embarrassment, humiliation and self-consciousness. People who suffer from this condition may “feel powerless against their anxiety” (ADAA). These emotions often interfere with daily activities, such as school, work and personal relationships. The person might begin to withdraw socially or avoid situations in which he or she is afraid. Millions of Americans endure this devastating condition every day of their lives. There are several causes, symptoms and treatments.

Social anxiety is a disorder in which individuals assume that they will be negatively evaluated. This results in an extreme fear of social situations or performance-based situations (Iverach, Rapee, Wong, & Lowe, 2017, p. 542) for a period of time lasting longer than six months (Brundage et al., p. 498). Those with social anxiety fear negative judgement during