Social anxiety disorder is a severe and persistent fear of social or performance situations in which embarrassment may occur. People with social anxiety disorder have a strong and lasting fear of social or performance situations where they might be judged by others. The disorder was once called social phobia, but now it’s called social anxiety disorder.

It begins in late childhood or adolescence and continue into adulthood. Research shows that poor people are 50% more likely to have this disorder than wealthier people.


What Causes Social Anxiety Disorder?

Cognitive theorists believe that people with social anxiety disorder have a group of social beliefs and expectations that works against them. These beliefs include:

•          They set very high standards for themselves.

•          They believe they look unattractive.

•          They think they are socially awkward and lack skills.

•          They fear making mistakes.

•          They believe they cannot control their anxiety.

 

Because of these thoughts, they constantly expect social disasters and use-

- avoidance behaviors (like only talking to close friends at parties) and

- safety behaviors (like wearing makeup to hide blushing).

These beliefs make their anxiety even worse when they face social situations. They feel sure their anxiety shows their flaws, and they believe they cannot handle the situation.

Researchers also found other possible causes:

•          Genetics

•          Personality traits

•          Brain differences

•          Traumatic experiences in childhood

•          Overprotective parenting

 

Treatments for Social Anxiety Disorder

In the past, it was very hard to treat it. But in the last 15 years, treatments have become much more successful. People with this disorder has two main problems:

1.        They have social fears.

2.        They often lack the social skills.

So, treatment focuses on reducing social fears, teaching social skills, or doing both.

 

A. Treating Social Fears:

Here are some ways of reducing social fear:

1.        Medication:

Social fears are often reduced through medication. Antidepressant drugs are often the most helpful (like benzodiazepines).

2.        Exposure Therapy:

This is often used for phobias and works for social fears too.

3.        Group therapy:

it is also effective because people can practice in a safe, supportive environment. For example: A man afraid and his hands would shake in public. He can practice by writing or serving tea to group members.

4.        Cognitive Therapy:

Cognitive therapies have also been widely used to treat social fears, often in combination with behavioural techniques. Albert Ellis used rational-emotive therapy to help these peoples.

B. Improve Social Skills:

In social skills training, therapists use different behavioral techniques to help people. Some of them are:

•          Modeling

•          Practice

•          Role-playing

•          Feedback & Praise

Practicing in groups makes this training even stronger. In group setting members can practice with each other.