Table of Contents
While it may seem impossible to overcome a feared social situation, you can do it by taking it one small step at a time. The key is to start with a situation that you can handle and gradually work your way up to more challenging situations, building your confidence and coping skills as you move up the “anxiety ladder.”
People who have an overactive amygdala may have a heightened fear response, causing increased anxiety in social situations. Environment. Social anxiety disorder may be a learned behavior — some people may develop significant anxiety after an unpleasant or embarrassing social situation.
Shyness is another trait that often gets mixed up with social anxiety and introversion. It’s even been suggested that social anxiety simply represents an extreme form of shyness. Like people with social anxiety, shy people usually feel uncomfortable around strangers and hesitant to open up in social situations.
What is the best medication for social anxiety?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ( SSRIs ) are often the first-line treatment for social anxiety and depression. These medications — which include paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft) — work by increasing the level of serotonin in your brain, which is an important neurotransmitter.
What causes social phobia?
The exact cause of social phobia is unknown. However, current research supports the idea that it is caused by a combination of environmental factors and genetics. Negative experiences also may contribute to this disorder, including: Physical abnormalities such as a serotonin imbalance may contribute to this condition.
Physical signs and symptoms of social anxiety disorder include: blushing. profuse sweating. trembling or shaking. nausea. stomach upset. difficulty talking. shaky voice.
The causes of social anxiety may be related to specifically humiliating social experiences, particularly in childhood. These causes of social anxiety in childhood may be: Being socially withdrawn or having experienced abuse may also be causes of social anxiety. Parental behavior may be another cause of social anxiety.