Social Anxiety Disorder Essay
Social Anxiety Disorder Essay

Social Anxiety Disorder Essay

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  • Pages: 6 (1493 words)
  • Published: December 29, 2021
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Proper treatment can prevent the negative impact of social anxiety on individuals' social and emotional well-being.

The objective of this study is to analyze the impact of treatment and regulation on individuals with social anxiety disorder, leading them to feel reluctant in expressing themselves socially due to feeling embarrassed. The research will focus on examining the effects of social anxiety disorder including its symptoms and medications. Social Phobia is a distinct form of anxiety disorder marked by shyness and heightened self-consciousness, especially in social settings. Social Anxiety Disorder is a diagnosed fear that manifests as intense discomfort and avoidance in social situations.

The concern is that someone may observe or pass judgment. Fears are often described as intense and irrational fear. People with social anxiety disorder usually recognize that the fear is excessive and unreasonable, but they cannot manage the emotio

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n without medication and behavioral modification techniques. Extensive research has been conducted by researchers and scientists to identify the cause of social anxiety disorder, as well as other psychological, mood, or mental disorders (Aderka et.al pp398). The brain is incredibly complex, so most mental illnesses like depression do not have a definitive cause.

According to Aderka et.al (pp399), social anxiety disorder is believed to have a genetic foundation and often runs in families. There is a suggestion from experts that certain behavior patterns associated with social anxiety may also have biological aspects. When diagnosing social anxiety disorder in children, it is typical to explore if other family members are impacted by the condition. This leads researchers to investigate both the hereditary aspect of the disorder and its potential acquisition through familial behaviors.

According to researchers, individuals with social anxiet

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exhibit heightened sensitivity to serotonin, a mood regulator. In a study conducted by Annette Bruhl and her colleagues, it was found that these patients display increased brain activity in the amygdala, the region responsible for fear response (Aderka et.al pp399). Social anxiety disorder affects people to varying extents but early intervention can significantly enhance their quality of life if identified risk factors are known. Such risk factors include having a family history of the disorder, being in adolescence or young adulthood, being female, experiencing negative incidents in the past, and possessing an inherently shy personality during childhood. Examples of triggering negative experiences encompass teasing, bullying, abuse (especially sexual), and familial conflicts like divorce.

The text highlights the various forms and degrees of turmoil that can be observed in individuals with social anxiety disorder. These individuals commonly experience fears and concerns such as fear of the unknown, fear of humiliation or judgment, and disruptive anxiety that impacts their daily activities. They tend to avoid public events, public speaking, or situations where they may attract attention due to their dread of scrutiny. It is not uncommon for these patients to feel terrified when performing simple actions in public like tying their shoes, returning items at a store, entering a room with people already present, ordering at a restaurant, or interacting with strangers. Additionally, there are physical signs and symptoms associated with social anxiety disorder (Pittig et al pp.).

21). Physical symptoms commonly experienced by patients with social anxiety disorder include flushing, excessive sweating, trembling, nausea, stomach upset, difficulty speaking, weak voice, palpitations, cold and clammy hands, and difficulty maintaining eye contact. These symptoms are caused by the body's

response to stress which leads to hyperactivity in both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Alongside these physical manifestations, individuals with this disorder may also display low self-esteem, inadequate social skills, and sensitivity to criticism. If not treated appropriately, these symptoms can lead to complications such as substance abuse, excessive drinking, depression,and even suicide.

People lacking sufficient coping mechanisms often face an overpowering fear and turn to destructive methods for managing it. The diagnosis of social anxiety disorder is primarily carried out by physicians who identify specific signs and symptoms. To rule out other possible causes for these symptoms, patients undergo both physical and mental examinations. Moreover, patients must fill out surveys and self-evaluations.

Patients frequently conduct these assessments at home and subsequently return them to the center due to their existing discomfort. The diagnosis of social anxiety disorder does not necessitate additional physical tests like blood work or imaging. Normally, brain scans are only conducted for study participants.

Specialists assess individuals with social anxiety disorder (SAD) to determine if they satisfy specific criteria. These criteria encompass enduring persistent fear in social settings, expecting embarrassment or judgment, experiencing a substantial level of anxiety in social situations, acknowledging their fear as irrational and excessive, avoiding situations that provoke anxiety, and having their daily life significantly impacted by the anxiety. The treatment for SAD is challenging and involves identifying suitable medication while consistently applying behavioral adjustment techniques. Luckily, there are numerous treatments accessible for SAD.

Some common pharmaceuticals include Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) like Zoloft, Prozac, Paxil, and Lexapro. There are also Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) such as Effexor and Effexor XR. Additionally, benzodiazepines are used to quickly

reduce anxiety levels but are prescribed for a short period of time due to their addictive nature. Beta-blockers are also commonly used.

Beta blockers are utilized for symptom treatment, specifically blocking epinephrine that triggers heart palpitations, heightened heart rate, excessive perspiration, and trembling in the voice and limbs. They prove most efficacious when employed sporadically in particular circumstances like public speaking. Furthermore, if patients seek success, participation in psychotherapy is imperative as it aids in acquiring coping mechanisms and social aptitude development (Kasper ; Siegfried pp. 1605). The impact of social anxiety disorder presents considerable challenges for both the patient and their acquaintances.

Patients diagnosed with social anxiety disorder frequently face difficulties in accomplishing tasks as a result of their anxiety. These tasks may range from basic errands such as grocery shopping, bill payment, and even attending work. Regrettably, many untreated individuals with this disorder also suffer from depression, intensifying the challenges they encounter in daily functioning. Consequently, they struggle to find the motivation necessary for self-care and maintaining their surroundings.

Patients suffering from this condition frequently face difficulties in meeting their obligations and may even completely avoid them. The unhappiness experienced by these individuals poses immense challenges for both the patients themselves and their relationships. Their ability to navigate social situations is hampered, leading to a deficiency in essential social skills and interaction. As a result, this issue places considerable strain on their relationships with loved ones (Bruce et.al, pp.).

Guardians, kin, life partners, and offspring of individuals with social anxiety disorder become distressed by the fears experienced by their loved ones. They often feel restricted by their family members and suffer alongside them. Many societies require certain

behaviors from individuals, with being social being one of them.

As a medical caretaker, it is crucial to provide support for patients with social anxiety disorder. It is important for attendants to educate patients about the significance of adhering to their medication and encourage them to use their coping skills. Nurses can also instruct relaxation techniques, like deep breathing. One effective method involves taking a deep breath through the nose while mentally repeating "Re-," and then slowly exhaling through the mouth while thinking "Re." Devoting 10 minutes to practicing this technique during anxious moments will aid in relaxation (Bruce et.al, pp. 46). Additionally, nurses can inspire patients to engage in role-playing or practice their coping mechanisms in a less intimidating environment.

For instance, patients have the ability to visually acknowledge and express happiness towards the nurse they find most at ease with. They also have the option to enjoy a meal with a close family member or friend at a restaurant. Additionally, the nurse can recommend that the patient maintain a log of how frequently the situations that provoke their greatest fear genuinely arise, leading them to potentially realize that such scenarios rarely or never transpire (Bruce et.al, pp. 46).

Individuals with social anxiety disorder experience significant disruptions in their lives, preventing them from fully embracing life and achieving their maximum potential. To achieve success, patients must actively participate in treatment and consistently adhere to prescribed medications. It is imperative for nurses and other caregivers to possess adequate knowledge and readiness to provide unwavering support throughout the patients' journey towards triumph.

Patients should be aware that undergoing this procedure can be challenging at times, but it is highly beneficial.

Work

Cited

  1. Bruce, Laura C., and Richard G. Heimberg. "Social anxiety disorder." The Wiley Handbook of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (2014) pp. 45-54.
  2. Kasper, Siegfried. "Social Anxiety Disorder." Encyclopedia of Psychopharmacology (2015): 1602-1605.
  3. Pittig, Andre, et al. "Heart rate and heart rate variability in panic, social anxiety, obsessive– compulsive, and generalized anxiety disorders at baseline and in response to relaxation and hyperventilation." International journal of psychophysiology 87.1 (2013): 19-27.
  4. Aderka, Idan M., et al. "Functional impairment in social anxiety disorder." Journal of anxiety disorders 26.3 (2012): 393-400.
  5. Doehrmann, Oliver, et al. "Predicting treatment response in social anxiety disorder from functional magnetic resonance imaging." JAMA psychiatry 70.1 (2013): 87-97.
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