Social Phobia Treatment
What is Social Phobia?
Social phobia disorder is classified as an anxiety disorder. It is sometimes referred to as social phobia anxiety disorder and is a mental health disorder that creates excessive anxiety for an individual in social situations. Its effects can range from mild to extreme. Social phobia exceeds normal shyness and leads to excessive social avoidance. Affected persons tend to avoid dating, social gatherings, parties, talking to strangers, and going to restaurants, for example.
While most people will address their fears in social situations and review their behavior if they were disappointed, they will “move on” within a day or two. People suffering from social phobias will be tormented for weeks (or longer). Singular, innocuous events can have a long-term impact on their psychological well-being. Scientific research has demonstrated that these types of disorders are hereditary BUT treatment is available using therapy and medication.
The person suffering from anxiety created by social phobia disorder will experience varied physiological effects, including:
Symptoms of Social Phobia
- Rapid heart beat
- Sweating
- Mind going blank
- Trembling
- Stammering
- Nausea
- Severe reactions, such as panic attacks
- Avoidance of public speaking
- Avoidance of social situations due to fear of public humiliation
Treatment of Social Phobia
To manage these symptoms, and to ease the anxiety and fear, people suffering from social phobias will often turn to drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism. Thus, self-medicating among this demographic is common.
Unfortunately, drugs and alcohol do not address the core issues relating to the social phobia. In fact, they generally exacerbate the problem and, of course, introduce the potential for addiction. Dual diagnosis treatment is recommended to stop the addiction and address the psychiatric and psychological disorder.
It should be understood that participating in substance abuse treatment without addressing the mental health disorder simultaneously would not provide a patient with a solid foundation of recovery. Relapse is more likely to occur and to keep occurring until all disorders are identified and addressed.
More Information About Lakeview's Treatment Programs:
Call 1-800-884-1727 to get more information about social phobia treatment and drug and alcohol treatment. Our Admissions Helpline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Admissions Coordinators are standing by. You can also reach the Helpline using our Live Chat or the Contact Us form.
