Social phobia
|
Tweet
|
|
Alternative names
Phobia - social
Definition
Social phobia is a persistent and irrational fear of situations that may involve scrutiny or judgment by others, including parties and other social events.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Social phobias are characterized by fear and avoidance of situations in which a person may be subject to the scrutiny of others. It may begin in adolescence and may be associated with overprotective parents or limited social opportunity. Males and females are affected equally with this disorder.
Shyness is different from social phobia. Shy people are able to participate in social functions, but people with social phobia are constrained by their condition to the point that it affects their ability to function in work and relationships.
People with social phobia are at high risk for alcohol or other drug dependence because they may come to rely on drink or drugs to relax in social situations.
Symptoms
Some of the most common fears of people with social phobia include:
- Public speaking
- Meeting new people
- Eating, drinking, and writing in public
- Using public restrooms
- Parties and other social occasions
Signs and tests
- Rapid heart rate
- Elevated blood pressure
- History of phobia
- Description of behavior from family, friends, and affected person
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to help the person function effectively. The success of the treatment usually depends on the severity of the phobia.
Systematic desensitization is a technique used to treat phobias. The person is asked to relax, then imagine the components of the phobia, working from the least fearful to the most fearful. Graded real-life exposure has also been used with success to help people overcome their fears.
Social skills training may involve social contact in a group therapy situation to practice social skills. Role playing and modeling are techniques used to help the person gain comfort in relating to others in a social situation.
Anti-anxiety and anti-depressive medications are sometimes used to help relieve the symptoms associated with phobias.
Expectations (prognosis)
The outcome is generally good with treatment, and antidepressant medications have been shown to be very effective.
Complications
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider or mental health professional if fear is affecting your work and relationships with others.
Prevention
Taking measures to improve your self esteem can be helpful. Social skills training may be helpful.
by Mamikon Bozoyan, M.D.
 |
 |
 | |
 | |||
| Medical Encyclopedia | |||
| |||
- Full Story - - »»»
Sugar more toxic than alcohol, scientists claim
- Full Story - - »»»
Overeating may double risk of memory loss
- Full Story - - »»»
Optimism about heart risks may be a good thing
- Full Story - - »»»
Study shows fainting factor in cardiac arrests
- Full Story - - »»»
Teen pregnancy, abortion rates at record low, study says
- Full Story - - »»»
Think you can’t get pregnant? Try again, study says
- Full Story - - »»»
