Social Anxiety Disorder: Signs, Symptoms, and Sub-Types

Introduction:

• Social Anxiety Disorder ( SAD ) is a mental health condition marked by an irrational fear of social or performance-related situations.
• Understanding its signs, symptoms, and sub-types aids in early indentification and appropriate intervention.

Signs and Symptoms:

** 1. ** - Blushing, sweating, trembling - Rapid heart rate, shortness of breath - Muscle tention, headaches - Gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea or diarrhea - Blurred vision, lightheadedness - Dry mouth, difficulty swallowing

2. Cognitive Symptoms:

• Negative self-talk, self-criticism
• Fear of being judged, scrutinized, or rejection
• Overestimation of the likelihood of negative outcomes
• Catastrophic thinking aobut social situations

**3. ** - Avoidance of social or performance situations - Difficulty making eye contact or speaking in public - Excessive self-consciousness, seusivity to critisism - Withdrawl from social activities and relationships

Sub-Types of Social Anxiety Disorder:

**1. **

• Broad fear of social situations, including meeting new people, public speaking, public speaking and eating in public.

**2. **

• Itnvolves fear and avoidance of specific social situations, such as public speaking using public restrooms, or playing sports in front of others.

Symptoms in Children and Adolescents:

• Difficulty making friends and partictipating in social activities
• Refusal to attend school or participte in extracurricular activities
• Clinging to parent or caregivers in social situations
• Frequent complains of physical symptoms, such as stomachaches or headaches, to avoid social events

Complications and Comorbidities:

• Depression and anxety disorders
• Panic attacks and agrophobia
• Substance Abuse
• problems with school work, and relationships
• Suicical thoughts and behaviors

Causes and Triggers:

• Genetic factors
• Negative life experiences, such as trauma or bullying
• Certain medication and drugs
• Pesonality traits, such as shyness or low self-esteem

Diagnosis:

• Diagnosis based on clinical interview and criteria for the Diagnostice and Statistial Manuan of Disorders (DSM)
• Differentiating SAD form other anxety disorders, such as generalized anxety or specific phobias

Treatments:

1. Psychotherapy: - Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps challenge negative thoughts and behaviors related to social anxety. - Exposure therapy, which gradual exposes individuals to social situations they avoid. - Interpersonal therapy, which helps improve social skills and communication.

2. Medication: - Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine or sertraline - Benzodiazepines, for short-term relief of anxety and severe symptoms

When to Seek Psychological Help:

• Incapable to perform daily activities
• Interpersonal relationships are negatively affected
• Symptoms cause severe distress or impare functioning
• Suicidle or self-harming thoughts or behaviors

Prevention:

• Building self-esteem and confidence
• Proactively seeking support during difficult life events
• Maintaining a healthy lifestle and excercise
• Seeking professional help early if symptoms arise