Social Anxiety Disorder Therapy – Thriveworks, Media, PA, Delaware County, PA
What is social anxiety disorder?
Social anxiety is a disorder in which an individual experiences intense anxiety in one or more social situations for fear of being judged, negatively evaluated, or rejected.
What do people with social anxiety disorder worry about?
People with social anxiety disorder excessively worry about acting or appearing visibly anxious or being viewed as strang or awkward; which is both embarrassing and humiliating to an individual with social anxiety disorder.
Why do people with social anxiety disorder isolate?
Due to their fear they often avoid social situations and if it cannot be avoided by the individual, the situation is endured with an excessive sense of fear and anxiety.
What is the cause of social anxiety disorder?
Although individuals suffering from social anxiety recognize that their fear is excessive, irrational, and unreasonable, people suffering from the disorder often feel powerless and helpless against their anxiety. It controls them thus rendering them powerless against it. Some anxiety is normal and a biological trait in all humans.
When should I get help for social anxiety disorder?
When the anxiety begins to affect your ability to function and is causing impairment in various areas of your life it might be time to consider consulting with a a therapist.
How common is social anxiety disorder?
According to the ADAA, social anxiety disorder affects approximately 15 million American adults and is the second most commonly diagnosed anxiety disorder. Social anxiety disorder typically begins in the early to mid-teens, though it can sometimes start in younger children or in adults.
What happens when social anxiety disorder goes untreated?
Untreated social anxiety disorder could result in panic attacks, low self esteem, poor social skills, poor and unsatisfying relationships, and it can have a negative effect on academic and occupational functioning. Typically when left untreated, it gets worse.
What are some signs of social anxiety disorder?
Many people with social anxiety disorder can experience a multitude of symptoms, both physical as well as behavioral. If you experience some of the following symptoms in one or more social situations you might be suffering from social anxiety disorder.
Triggers of social anxiety:
- Being introduced to other people
- Being teased or criticized
- Being the center of attention
- Being watched while doing something
- Meeting people in authority (“important people”)
- Most social encounters, especially with strangers
- Going around the room (or table) in a circle and having to say something
- Interpersonal relationships, whether friendships or romantic
Physical Symptoms of social anxiety disorder can include:
- Rapid heart rate
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Excessive sweating
- Dizziness
- Avoiding social situations
- Shortness of Breath
- Confusion/Mind going blank
Behavioral Symptoms of social anxiety disorder can include:
- Trembling, having a shaky voice, or stuttering
- Avoiding doing things or speaking to people out of fear of embarrassment
- Avoiding situations where you might be the center of attention
- Spending time after a social situation analyzing your performance and identifying flaws in your interactions
- Self medicating to function in social situations
What is the treatment for social anxiety disorder?
Two common treatments used to help improve social anxiety are psychotherapy and medication management. They can be administered together and or separately.
What type of therapy is for social anxiety disorder?
The most common treatment used to treat social anxiety is CBT, which stands for cognitive behavior therapy. CBT is an evidence based treatment method proven to show results. It will teach you the connection between your thoughts, feelings, physical sensations, and behaviors. During CBT treatment for social anxiety patients reframe negative thinking patterns into more positive ones. Patients also must make changes in their behavior. Treatment will also teach you coping skills to better manage the overwhelming emotions and thoughts so they do not interfere with functioning.
What medications are prescribed for social anxiety disorder?
Medication can also be prescribed by a psychiatrist to target the symptoms associated with performance anxiety. Three types of medication prescribed for social anxiety are anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, and beta blockers.
What is exposure therapy for social anxiety disorder?
Other treatment options that have shown positive results in treating social anxiety are exposure therapy and mindfulness training. In Exposure Therapy the individual learns to reduce the anxiety by placing themselves in anxiety provoking situations forcing the individual to use there learned coping skills. The individuals builds up from smaller anxiety provoking situations to more significant situations. In mindfulness training the individual learns to accept his present situations and retrains your brain to focus on what is happening in the present rather than focusing on all the things that can happen on probably won’t.
Where can I get help for my social anxiety?
Thriveworks is here to help with Social Anxiety. At Thriveworks, we have licensed Psychologists, Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, and Licensed clinical Social Workers that are trained and ready to help you to overcome your social anxiety.
Same and next day appointments!
We also know how difficult it is to get a same day appointment with a qualified therapist who accepts your insurance. Many practices don’t even answer the phone, much less call you back if you leave a voicemail. At Thriveworks we always answer the phone and typically are able to give you an appointment within 24 hrs of your call.
We accept insurance!
We accept most insurances and typically offer appointments within 24 hrs of your call. We accept Cigna, Independence Blue Cross, Blue Cross Blue Shield/Highmark, Magellan, Keystone Health Plan East, Personal Choice, United Behavioral Health, Cigna, and Compsych.
Convenient Location!
We are conveniently located in Delaware County, Pennsylvania at Thriveworks Counseling, 600 N Jackson St, Suite 300, Media, Pa. Thriveworks is accessible by public transportation via SEPTA regional rail, Trolley, and bus, we also offer free parking.
Call 610-808-9923 to schedule appointment, or fill out a contact form and we’ll call you.
