Social Anxiety Treatment in Massachusetts
With this particular anxiety disorder, it may not matter whether another individual is a close friend or a complete stranger, because the feelings of judgment and anxiety will remain at the same intensity. These symptoms can make daily activities quite challenging. Fortunately, developing proper coping mechanisms with help from Colony Care Behavioral Health can work to relieve these anxious thoughts and feelings before they escalate. Call our office at (781) 431-1177.
What is Social Anxiety?
Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, can make individuals feel an overwhelming amount of anxiety during everyday life. This anxiety is typically described as a feeling of self-consciousness, perceived judgment from others, or critical scrutiny from others.
Common Characteristics and Symptoms
Persons with social anxiety disorder often appear shy, quiet, and withdrawn. It is not that these individuals wish to avoid interactions or relationships with others, they just have more difficulty in cultivating them due to their social anxiety.
There is no clear cause as to why a person may have social anxiety, though the disorder does seem to be influenced by underdeveloped social skills, misreading of facial signals and body positioning from others, and a family history of social phobia.
Symptoms of social anxiety disorder can be experienced in a variety of common situations, such as:
- New introductions
- Going to school or work
- Speaking, writing, or talking on the phone in public
- Being the focus of a conversation or event
- Meeting authoritative figures
- Dating
- Being observed during a type of test or presentation
- Eating in front of others
- Making eye contact
Individuals with social anxiety often react to uncomfortable situations with a series of uncontrollable physical actions such as blushing, fidgeting, sweating, rapid heartbeat, stiff posture, speaking softly, or even becoming nauseous. These symptoms can be incredibly frustrating, as many with social anxiety disorder are able to logically realize that nothing bad is likely to happen to them in a triggering situation, but they are overrun with these common reactions regardless.
Treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder
Fortunately, social anxiety disorder is treatable. There is not a simple cure for this disorder, though symptoms can be properly managed throughout the individual’s life with help from a mental health specialist.
Psychotherapy
Colony Care Behavioral Health is able to assist patients in managing their symptoms of social anxiety using elements of psychotherapy to thoroughly discuss triggering situations and then develop a way to cope with them in a healthy way. Psychotherapy is also frequently referred to as talk therapy, which can be helpful in helping patients to realize what their triggers are, how they can avoid them, and how they can reduce their severity should they occur.
Medication
Medications are frequently prescribed to individuals that suffer from a wide array of different anxiety disorders. Certain medications may work better for one person than another, which is often dependent on the specific symptoms they experience, and the severity of those symptoms. Of these many types of medication, there are three primary categories that Colony Care Behavioral Health is likely to consider when giving a prescription for a patient with social anxiety:
- Anti-anxiety medications: These may be used on an as-needed or short-term basis right away to reduce feelings of anxiety, fear, or worry in social situations, though doses are likely to fluctuate over time to avoid the risks of tolerance and dependence.
- Beta-blockers: Usually used for individuals with performance anxiety, beta-blockers can help to reduce physical symptoms and reactions to social anxiety.
- Antidepressants: These medications treat both depressive and anxiety disorders and come in many different forms. They often take a few weeks to make their way into a person’s system to achieve their full effect. Clear communication with Colony Care Behavioral Health about antidepressant medications is important, as their effects can vary from person to person and not all types are suitable for each individual.
Support Group
Even though interactions with others often cause significant anxiety for those with a social anxiety disorder, these reactions can be significantly less intense in a group of individuals who have been diagnosed with the same disorder. By opening up and sharing with those in a similar situation, patients can begin to practice and develop healthy social habits in a low-risk environment.
Which Treatment Is Right for You?
The only way to appropriately treat social anxiety is to consult with a mental health specialist about your triggers, symptoms, and which coping mechanisms have worked well for you thus far. Colony Care Behavioral Health is currently accepting new patients, who may request an appointment by calling (781) 431-1177, or by submitting a request through our online form.