ABC Medical Center > Diseases > Social anxiety disorder

What is social anxiety disorder?

4 May 2021

It is a chronic mental pathology characterized by intense and persistent episodes of anxiety, fear, stress, insecurity, avoidance, and shame in the presence or opinion of others, affecting the life of the person who suffers from it in all areas.

In social anxiety disorder or social phobia, daily interaction with others is very difficult to manage, interfering with personal, work, and family relationships.

Social anxiety disorder generally arises in early to mid-adolescence, but it can also begin in young children or adulthood.

The cause of social anxiety disorder is currently unknown, but it is believed that it may be due to a combination of various biological and environmental factors, such as genetics, brain structure, family and social environment, negative experiences, low self-esteem, and weak character, among others.

It can be classified into:

  • Generalized.
  • Not generalized.

Signs and symptoms Social anxiety disorder

Physical, emotional, and behavioral signs appear, the most common being:

  • Distress.
  • Anxiety about situations in which you may be judged or humiliated.
  • Stop doing some activities out of fear, anxiety, or embarrassment.
  • Fear of showing symptoms can make you feel uncomfortable, such as sweating, blushing, or shaking.
  • Panic of interacting with strange people.
  • Fear of social situations.
  • Upset stomach or nausea.
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness.
  • Trouble breathing.
  • Intense sweating.
  • Tachycardia.
  • Tremors.
  • Muscle tension.

If social anxiety disorder is not treated properly, it can trigger a series of negative consequences that can end in total isolation, drug abuse, or suicide.

Diagnosis and treatment Social anxiety disorder

Once the specialist analyzes the symptoms and clinical history, they will conduct a detailed interview with the patient and their family, as well as various mental assessment tests that allow them to determine if there are other pathologies or other mental disorders linked to the existing symptoms.

Treating social anxiety disorder is complex, but it usually includes:

  • Medication for anxiety and depression.
  • Psychotherapy.
  • Support groups.

At the Neurology Center, a select group of highly trained and certified doctors in various neurological specialties is ready to assist you with the quality and warmth that characterizes us.

Related centers and departments Social anxiety disorder

Neurology Center
Internal Medicine
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Fuentes:

  • adaa.org
  • nimh.nih.gov
  • childmind.org
  • topdoctors.es
  • mayoclinic.org
  • medlineplus.gov
  • middlesexhealth.org
  • msdmanuals.com
  • medigraphic.com
  • Radulovich MM, González SM, Monge OJM. Red de orientación atencional, enganche y desenganche en el Trastorno de Ansiedad Social. Rev Clin Esc Med. 2020;10(1):5-14.
  • Solís MF, Saviñón TJA, Johnson RRO. Fobia social (Trastorno de ansiedad social): Aspectos clínicos y psicofarmacológicos. Rev Neurol Neurocir Psiquiat. 2003;36(2):85-90.
  • Zubeidat I, Fernández PA, Sierra JC, et al. Evaluación de factores asociados a la ansiedad social y a otras psicopatologías en adolescentes. Salud Mental. 2008;31(3):189-169.

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