What Are The Main Causes Of Social Anxiety Disorder?

Did you know that social anxiety is among the most common mental disorders?

We all experience social anxiety throughout our lives to a certain extent. An example of this may be the fear and panic you experience prior to having to deliver a presentation to a large audience.

For some though this can develop into social anxiety disorder which can really affect a persons ability to cope in the most un-demanding social environments/ engagements.

So what are the causes?

There has been much research on this subject but there still remains no certified answer as to the exact cause of social anxiety disorder.

Research suggests that a persons genes or genetic makeup is a contributing factor. This would suggest that a person is more likely to develop the disorder should either parents or direct relatives have the disorder.

Nuerological research has linked the development of anxiety related disorder to a small part of the brain called the "amygale". This is the portion of the brain that handles fear which is said to be a contributing factor.

Finally there are psychological factors which I commonly refer to as "social conditioning". These are in my opinion the biggest contributing factor in the development of most anxiety related disorders in general.

Social conditioning simply refers to the environment that a person is exposed to throughout their adolescence and adulthood.

Lets say for instance a person has been subject to intimidation/ bullying throughout their schooling years.

Is this person more likely to develop social anxiety?

Of course they are.

Even singular events such as a person being humiliated publicly or perhaps a particular event such as being stood up at the school prom can have a psychological baring that could be a contributing factor in the development of the disorder.

There are also other factors relating to social conditioning such as "observational learning". Observational learning basically refers to the manner in which people behave based on what they observe others around them doing.

A person may also develop a high sensitivity to disapproval (fear of rejection) which could also be a contributing factor in the development of social anxiety disorder.

Based on the sheer number of possible causes it's clear to see why it's hard to determine an exact cause but social conditioning and the psychological baring are in my opinion the biggest factors.

In reality it's more than likely a combination of social conditioning, genes and neurological factors. No two people are the same and one persons reason for developing the disorder will not be the same as another persons.

If you're suffering with social anxiety disorder and would like to learn more on the causes and treatment then check out our post on overcoming social anxiety.

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Social Anxiety Disorder And Anxiety Cures Explained

Social anxiety disorder is also referred to as social phobia. This is an anxiety disorder in which a person is abnormally fearful of social situations. The anxiety and extreme self-consciousness come from the fear of being closely observed, judged, and/or criticized by others.

Anyone with this type of disorder is afraid that he or she will do something to embarrass or humiliate her/him in front of others. A lack of social skills or not being used to social settings can make matters worse. Sometimes anxiety progresses into a panic attack. For these reasons, the person who suffers from this disorder will either be extremely ill-at-ease in any kind of social situation or will simply avoid them altogether. It's not uncommon for people who suffer from social anxiety disorder to also have what is called anticipatory anxiety. This is basically the fear that something will happen before it actually happens and it can start days or even weeks before a certain social situation is to take place. Usually, the person who has these worries realizes that their fear is unreasonable, yet he/she is still unable to overcome it.

This particular type of anxiety disorder distorts your way of thinking to incorporate false or extremely exaggerated beliefs about social settings in general and the negative opinions of others. Without treatment, social anxiety disorder can negatively interfere with the individual's normal daily routine, including school, work, social activities, and relationships. With a mild case of this disorder, the person may be afraid of a specific public situation, like having to give a presentation or speech. But in the majority of cases, the fear regards multiple types of situations: eating or drinking in front of others, Writing or working in front of others, being the center of attention, interacting with people (including dating or going to parties), asking questions or giving answers in groups, Using public toilets, and even talking on the phone.

Social anxiety disorder could be connected to other mental illnesses, such as panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and depression. In fact, many people with this condition first seek help with complaints related to these other disorders, not because of social anxiety symptoms. Tackling your anxiety alone may be difficult. If your anxiety begins to have the upper hand in your life, affecting the quality of your personal relationships or your productivity, you should probably consider talking to your doctor about treatment.

He/She can discuss a variety of treatment options with you so that you can get your anxiety disorder under control and enjoy a higher quality of life overall. You may start with a medication that alters your brain chemistry to reduce many of the uncomfortable social anxiety disorder symptoms. In addition to this, doctors often prescribe blocks of psychotherapy with a professional who works with you to modify your thought processes that lead to the worry, stress and fear that often accompany anxiety.

The above information does not substitute for medical advice given by a health professional.

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Social Anxiety Disorder Symptoms and Help

Social anxiety disorder, known also as social phobia is a condition, which characterizes with intensive fear in social situations that cause huge distress and limited ability to act in at least one part of the daily life. One of the possible diagnoses could be of a specific disorder - where just one particular situation triggers the anxiety. Another diagnose is called a generalized disorder, where the social anxiety disorder sufferers usually feel a strong, intensive, chronic fear of being judged, embarrassed or humiliated by others for their own acts.

The symptoms of social anxiety disorder can be separated in two main groups, i.e. physical and psychological symptoms. The physical symptoms observed in sufferers of social anxiety disorder are rapid breathing, blushing, sweating, dry mouth, muscle tension, shaky voice, trembling, palpitations, upset stomach - nausea, dizziness, twitching, stammering. Quite often panic attacks may be observed as well, as a result of intense fear and discomfort. It is important to know that an early diagnosis can help minimizing the symptoms and the development of additional conditions, such as depression. It is a well-known fact that some sufferers may try using an alcohol or other drugs to reduce fears at certain social situations. It is a common event for them to try a self-treatment. However, if they are not diagnosed, not treated, or both; this can lead to alcoholism or different types of drug or medication abuse.

The psychological symptoms of social anxiety disorder are - intensive anxiety for days, weeks, or months before a particular oncoming social event/situation to take place; enormous fear of being watched and judged by other people, especially by strangers; extreme anxiety in everyday social situations; fear that with their acts they will embarrass or themselves; the fear of other people noticing their anxiety and nervousness; making sure to avoid social situations to a degree where that leads to total dysfunction or disrupts life in general.

To relieve the symptoms of social phobia in many cases medication can be used, but it is not leading to full recovery from social phobia. Once you stop taking the medicine, all of the symptoms will most likely return. Medication is helping when it is used in combination with psychotherapy and other treatments that affect the roots of social anxiety disorder. Three main kinds of medication are used in the treatment of social anxiety:

1. Beta-blockers -used for relieving performance anxiety, as they are blocking the flow of adrenaline that occurs when anxious. Beta-blockers do not affect the emotional symptoms. They only control the physical symptoms such as shaking hands or voice, sweating, rapid heartbeat; 

2. Antidepressants - helpful in severe cases of social anxiety disorder; 

3. Benzodiazepines - these are fast acting anti-anxiety medications, but they are sedatives and are also addictive. Benzodiazepines are only prescribed only when the rest of the medications for social phobia have not worked.

Talking about relieving the symptoms of social anxiety disorder, we have to take into account all kinds of social anxiety treatments available. The psychotherapy is one that works best to achieve that goal, and would lead to the complete recovery from this horrible condition. One of the most successful among the therapy methods is the cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT changes the way of thinking about the social situations that lead to the anxiety. CBT includes learning to control the physical symptoms, changing the negative and bad thoughts that lead to the anxiety and facing situations causing the fear systematically and gradually, not to avoid them.

Different cognitive-behavioral treatment techniques are known to date, such as role-playing and social skills training, and they are applied as part of a group therapy. Group therapies for social anxiety disorder include observing, acting, mock interviews, and other exercises to aid overcoming situations that provoke anxious disorder. The term of the therapy treatment for social phobia differs from person to person. The majority of these therapies are relatively short-term, and many of the techniques learned are suitable to practice at home.

Social Anxiety Disorder

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Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety disorder is characterized by a persistent fear of any kind of social interactions and the feeling of intense embarrassment or humiliation, apparently without reason. The patients of this disorder are always anxious of being judged poorly by others and as a result start avoiding social interaction completely. Whenever such people face any situation where interaction with others cannot be avoided, they suffer extreme anxiety and nervousness. In chronic cases such people start showing extreme symptoms even when they anticipate a social situation. This anxiety is manifested in external physical symptoms such as palpitations, sweating, trembling, flushing or blushing.

Sometimes it is difficult to differentiate the normal social anxiety that every individual feels to some extent from this chronic condition. Everyone has some degree of social anxiety in them, yet when such anxiety becomes so overriding that the person starts avoiding all social interactions as a result of his anxiety and the physical symptoms cause him distress beyond natural parameters, it is clear that it is a result of this disorder. Most often, close family members or friends can recognize this, since they have a better perspective of the patient's suffering.

Social anxiety disorder can be classified into three different types. First is a performance-oriented social anxiety disorder that affects a person only when he is performing in front of an audience, as when giving public speeches, or presentations.

The second type of this disorder is a general social anxiety disorder where a person is unnaturally anxious in various social situations like parties, meetings and interviews.

The third and most chronic type is avoidant personality disorder, which is more common in males than females and starts usually at a very young age. Such people are able to make very few friends and often opt not to get married. These people avoid all opportunities for social interactions and live with a constant fear of being ridiculed and judged by all around them.

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How to Overcome Social Anxiety Disorder Now

Social Anxiety Disorder is best treated by combining behavioral, mental, and physical methods and tailoring them to specific clients. Self-help programs have also been found to be effective.

Simple cognitive coaching techniques can usually help people with Social Anxiety Disorder. Many on-line self-help programs teach these techniques. Self-help programs usually focus to teaching the user to stop the fear of feeling the fear. Fear of the fear itself sets up a cycle of anxiety and panic.

When someone with Social Anxiety Disorder has the first panic attack, fear of another attack immediately sets in. Fear of the next attack actually causes the next attack. Clients can learn to interrupt the fear-panic cycle on their own, at home. Relief is attainable for many individuals using this technique alone.

In some cases a cure for Social Anxiety Disorder is more difficult and takes longer. Prescribed drugs are often required to treat folks with multiple anxiety disorders or underlying medical conditions. Antidepressant drugs don't seem to be addictive drugs. When the disorder isn't present, these medication usually have no effect at all.

Antidepressant medications don't make anyone feel 'high'. Antidepressant medicine help therapy work faster by taking the edge off the disorder. When drug therapy and psychotherapy are combined, treatment is typically faster and more effective.

Hypnotherapy and natural supplements are popular alternatives to drug therapy and CBT. Both supplements and hypnotherapy have been found to be effective for some people.

Criticisms

Critics complain that the invention of antidepressant medications has resulted in more frequent diagnosis of Social Anxiety Disorder. Critics argue that Social Disorder might be an invented category meant to boost drug sales.

Introversion is natural in about 10% of the population. Introverts are often considered to be shy people. Shyness and sensitivity are not necessarily pathological traits. Some people a born introverted and sensitive. Critics charge that medicating introversion is wrong.

Is Social Disorder really just a marketing tool? Possibly, however the verdict is out. A different explanation for the increase in diagnoses is the pain involved in panic attacks. Panic attacks are so unpleasant that almost all folks will ask for help if they think it is available.

Anxiety and panic are hard to live with, so people are more likely to seek treatment for them than for other disorders. Social disorder does not have to be treated with medicine; other strategies are effective as well. Starting treatment voluntarily is the first step to recovery.

Social Disorder has a very high rate of cure. Many short-term cheap treatments are available. No one need to suffer in silence with Social Disorder. Complete recovery is normal for the vast majority of individuals who look for help.

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Cause of Social Anxiety Disorder

There is no clear mandate on the exact cause of social anxiety disorder. There are many assumptions about it, which include a combination of a person's genetic make up, early childhood and adolescent experiences. It could be caused by a person's genetic predisposition. And just as physical features like eye and hair color are inherited, social anxiety disorder can also be passed on from one generation to the other. It has been proven that in some cases anxiety disorders run through generations. It has also been noticed among identical twins that if one of them has an anxiety disorder, the other is also likely to have the disorder, so there is an obvious link between anxiety disorders and ones genes.

The second commonly believed cause originated from a study of animal behavior, which says that all animals are fearful of others, especially strangers looking or staring at them. Staring is generally considered threatening behavior, and can unsettle the other person. Therefore, avoiding eye contact or averting the gaze is very common in people with social anxiety disorder. It is usually seen that fear of strangers develops in very young babies, as early as 7 months of age. Though it is natural for young children to be anxious around strangers, trauma or stress in the early years is perceived as a probable cause for this order.

It is also believed that anxiety is caused by the structure of our brain. Our brain controls all our thinking, physiological functions and behavior. Anxiety symptoms are often relieved by medicines that change the chemical balance of the brain. In fact, our anxiety response system is centered in our brain, and there are certain critical components in the brain that regulate our response to anxiety. Individuals with social anxiety disorder probably have abnormalities in the functioning of some parts of their anxiety response system.

An individual's personality may also play an important role. It has been noticed that people with low self-esteem and poor coping skills are more prone to social anxiety disorders. Whereas it may also be possible that anxiety disorder in a child's early years has led to the low self-esteem, psychologists also believe that there may be an important relationship between anxiety disorders and long-term exposure to abuse and violence.

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The Connection of Social Anxiety Disorder And Depression

Difficulty in functioning socially, with other people, in personal or professional life is an indication of a social anxiety disorder that leads to depression. What is this all about?

Social Anxiety Disorder -- What Is It?

Do you have extreme stage fright? Do you have difficulty expressing yourself when in the company of non-relatives or not-so-close acquaintances, unfamiliar people? For all you know, you may be suffering from social anxiety disorder. This disorder, sometimes known also as social phobia, is that state of prolonged social anxiety and worry that causes you great distress and hampers you from functioning properly in some, if not most, areas of your daily life.

People around you may think that you are just shy since you have been this way since you were a kid. Being bashful is the adjective that describes you best. However, there is a line that separates bashfulness from social anxiety disorder.

Are You Just Shy?

For example, if you have the disorder, you may not want to mingle with other people because doing so brings you headaches, nausea or worse will cause you to vomit.

With being shy, you don't feel like vomiting and dizzy, you are only apprehensive of how you will approach other people. Once you and the persons you are talking too have warmed up to each other, you can converse with them without difficulty. A person with social anxiety can not push himself to socialize. There is no such thing as a warm up period for him.

Symptoms

Clinically, social anxiety disorder is manifested by excessive anxiety and self-consciousness in the most ordinary of everyday, normal situations involving other people. Sometimes, the disorder is limited, as when you are only fearful of speaking or performing in front of an audience, or you would not want to be socializing with others. But in some cases the social phobia is so broad and diverse that the anxiety manifests itself in almost every situation where you are exposed to other people.

Socio-phobics have this irrational fear of being watched, of being judged for their actions, of being evaluated every time by others, whether these others be family, friends, co-workers, or even strangers. The anxiety is so intense that the sociophobic individual can not work or can not study, can not talk, can not interact.

In front of other people, do you sweat profusely? Do you tremble or blush excessively? Do you get goose bumps in the company of a group of people? Do you become panicky when asked to speak in front of others?

Degrees of Social Anxiety

Social anxiety has degrees of disorder. It may be mild or severe. Mild social anxiety can be cured by therapy and simple self-help techniques such as holding a stress ball during a conference or a group meeting.

The severe form of this social anxiety needs medications since most of the times anxiety is accompanied by psychotic symptoms such as hearing things when exposed to the public.

How Do You Address Social Anxiety Disorder?

The repercussions and anti-social effects of this disorder are far-reaching, so much so that you need to admit and accept the fact if you feel any of the tell tale signs of a social anxiety disorder. Diagnosis is very important for the proper treatment regimen to be prescribed accordingly.

Cognitive behavior therapy is helpful in this. The behavioral aspects of the therapy, coupled with the cognitive ones, are brought in to affect thinking patterns and reactions to situations that may cause anxiety. Coupled with the therapy are some forms of prescriptive medications that include antidepressants of the SSRI and SNRI types, the selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors and the serotonin-norepinephrine re-uptake inhibitors, respectively.

Family Support

The pharmacological treatments, some experts contend, may not be enough to totally cure the sufferer of the disorder. Aside from the side effects brought about by the medications, the tendency to relapse after the discontinuance of the drugs is possible.

A deeper need for comprehensive psychotherapy may be in order to ensure prolonged, if not permanent treatment. Take note, however, that the therapy must be supported by the family and close circle of friends; their support and guidance is critical to reinforce the patient's feeling of self-worth again. Only then will social functioning and ability to interact be possible to be regained. Social anxiety disorder and depression are curable; it only takes a little more help from the people behind the sufferer.

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