Social Anxiety Disorder Flashcards, test questions and answers
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What is Social Anxiety Disorder?
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is a mental disorder characterized by an intense fear of social situations, such as public speaking, talking to strangers, and interacting with unfamiliar people. People with SAD often experience physical symptoms of anxiety such as sweating, trembling, blushing, and/or difficulty speaking in these situations. Additionally, they may experience psychological distress including thoughts of judgement or humiliation from others.People with SAD tend to avoid the things that make them feel anxious or embarrassed in order to reduce their anxiety symptoms. This avoidance can interfere with daily life activities and cause the person to miss out on important relationships or opportunities for growth. In severe cases of SAD, it can be disabling and significantly interfere with a person’s ability to function normally in society. The exact cause of SAD is unknown but there are several factors that may contribute to its development including genetics, environment (such as early childhood experiences), personality traits (being introverted), biological factors (such as differences in brain chemistry) or learned behaviors (such as negative self-talk). Treatment for SAD includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps individuals identify their irrational thoughts and replace them with more realistic ones; medication; relaxation techniques; exposure therapy which gradually exposes the individual to feared situations over time; social skills training which helps individuals develop better communication skills; and supportive counseling which helps individuals understand their condition better and learn how to cope more effectively. By understanding Social Anxiety Disorder better we can help those suffering from it find ways manage their symptoms so they can live a more fulfilling life without feeling scared or ashamed about social interactions.