Social Anxiety Treatment
Finding the right approach is essential for social anxiety treatment, with Exposure Therapy playing a key role. Psychiatrists specializing in Social Anxiety provide immediate help. Contact +1(833)312-4222 for assistance.
“Social anxiety feels like being on stage all the time, with everyone watching and judging you.”
The fear of being embarrassed or judged can take over someone’s life, making everyday things like talking to people or attending social events hard. Social anxiety can mess with daily life, affecting relationships, school, work, and friendships. It often makes people avoid situations, trapping them in a cycle of fear and loneliness.
Online Social anxiety treatment constitutes:
Medication:
There are several medications that are not addictive and provide rapid relief of social anxiety symptoms.
Individual Psychotherapy:
One-on-one therapy sessions can help individuals understand and manage their social anxiety.
Group Psychotherapy:
Group Therapy provides support and encourages sharing experiences with others facing similar challenges.
Supplements:
Some supplements may be effective for social anxiety treatment and can be used alongside other treatments.
Lifestyle Changes:
Encouraging yourself to socialize can help reduce anxiety over time by gradually increasing comfort in social situations.
Social anxiety is thought to be a type of OCD, where the intrusive thoughts are focused around
- negative thoughts about how others perceive you
- fear of offending others
- fear of embarrassing yourself
Therefore social anxiety treatment mirrors OCD treatment. The same types of medications that work for OCD seem to work for social anxiety, as do supplements.
Exposure therapy for OCD is focused on graded exposure to intrusive thoughts or obsessions, while exposure therapy for social anxiety treatment is focused on exposure to social interactions, and public speaking. Group therapy is also highly effective for both OCD and online social anxiety treatment.
What is Social Anxiety?
Social anxiety is a strong fear of being judged or embarrassed in social situations. People with social anxiety often worry about being watched, criticized, or rejected by others.
This fear can overwhelm everyday activities like talking to strangers, attending social gatherings, or ordering food. The pressure of avoiding embarrassment can cause a lot of stress, making it hard to relax when around others.
For those with social anxiety, the fear of making mistakes or being disliked can take over their thoughts. This often leads to avoiding social situations where they might feel uncomfortable. Over time, this can cause feeling isolated, impacting their relationships, work, and overall happiness, as they try to escape their anxiety.
Signs of Social Anxiety
Social anxiety is a common condition that many people misunderstand, but it can seriously affect a person’s life. It is more than being shy – it involves a strong fear of social interactions and a constant worry of being judged or embarrassed. People with social anxiety may feel overwhelmed in social situations, leading them to avoid situations that can help them grow personally and at work.
Signs of social anxiety include:
01
Intense Nervousness in Social Settings
Feeling overwhelming anxiety or discomfort when interacting with others or being in social situations.
02
Fear of Judgment or Criticism
Worrying excessively about being judged, criticized, or disliked by others in social environments.
03
Avoiding Eye Contact
Struggling to maintain eye contact out of fear or discomfort when interacting with people.
04
Physical Signs of Anxiety
Experiencing rapid heartbeat, sweating, or other physical symptoms when faced with social situations.
05
Trembling or Shaking in Social Situations
Hands or body may shake due to anxiety or nervousness during social interactions.
06
Overthinking Social Interactions
Constantly analyzing and worrying about what to say or do when around others.
07
Fear of Embarrassment
Being overly concerned with saying or doing something that might lead to embarrassment.
08
Replay Conversations Afterward
Mentally going over conversations, analyzing them for mistakes or awkward moments after they happen.
09
Avoiding Social Events
Choosing to skip gatherings, parties, or events to avoid feelings of discomfort or anxiety.
10
Difficulty Speaking in Public
Struggling to talk or express oneself clearly when in front of a group or public.
11
Reluctance to Meet New People
Feeling hesitant or anxious about introducing oneself or meeting strangers in social situations.
12
Feeling Isolated in Social Settings
Despite being around others, feeling detached or withdrawn due to anxiety or discomfort.
How to Treat Social Anxiety?
Managing social anxiety means using different methods to help people feel more confident and deal with their fears.
One good way is to slowly face the situations that make them anxious. They can get comfortable and feel less scared over time by making small steps.
Using relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or mindfulness, can also help them calm their nerves when they’re in social situations.
Having supportive friends and family can help since their encouragement and understanding can make it easier for people to feel less anxious about socializing.
Best Treatment for Social Anxiety
The best way to treat social anxiety usually includes a mix of therapy, medication, and self-help strategies that fit the person’s needs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a popular choice because it teaches people how to change negative thoughts and face their fears in a step-by-step manner. Therapy for social anxiety treatment often incorporates exposure therapy, which gradually helps people become more comfortable in anxiety-provoking social situations.
Medications, like certain antidepressants, can lower anxiety and boost mood. Having a support system of friends and family can also make social situations feel less daunting. In the end, working with a healthcare professional to create a personalized treatment plan is important for getting the best results.
Social Anxiety Psychiatrists
Board Certified Psychiatrist with Multiple State Licenses MBBS (MD)
Dr. Valeria Serban is a board-certified neuropsychiatrist with 20 years of professional experience and a keen passion for treating mental health illnesses using modalities such as therapy and medication management. She’s an expert in diagnosing and treating most mental health conditions with extensive experience with conditions such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, dementia, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), mood disorder, panic disorder, postpartum depression, and psychosis, among others.
Dr. Serban has worked extensively in general adult psychiatry and geriatric psychiatry. She treats psychiatric illnesses associated with neurological conditions such as migraine, epilepsy, concussion, stroke, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, sleep disorders such as narcolepsy, and other neurological conditions.
Dr. Serban has a kind and compassionate approach to patient care. She utilizes a combination of medication management and psychotherapy to help treat various types of psychiatric illness and age-related cognitive decline.
Dr. Serban is well-known for her warm and friendly personality and provides patients with a safe and comfortable environment for easy recovery and symptom management. She constantly researches different treatment options and works with her patients and their families to find the one that best suits their requirements.
Dr. Serban is multilingual and speaks fluently in six languages: English, Romanian, Italian, French, Spanish, and German.
Medical School
University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila” Bucharest, Romania
Neurology Residency Training
University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila” Bucharest, Romania
Master of Philosophy (M.Ph.) – Neuroscience
NYS Institute for Basic Research, New York
Internal Medicine Residency
Temple University Hospital, Pennsylvania
Neurology Residency
Temple University Hospital, Pennsylvania
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) – Neuroscience
NYS Institute for Basic Research, City University of New York – Graduate Center
Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship
Massachusetts General Hospital – Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts
Board Certification
American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN)
Electromyography – American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM)
Neuromuscular Medicine – American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN)
Recertification – American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN)
Board Certified Psychiatrist in New York & New Jersey (MD)
Dr. Tony Isaac is an experienced double Board Certified Psychiatrist with a keen interest in evaluating and treating mental health illnesses such as insomnia, panic attacks, depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Dr. Issac specializes in addiction recovery treatments and medication management and uses a combination of psychotherapy and sensitive medication titration to help his patients achieve a collaborative treatment plan. Using both medication and non-medication techniques, Dr. Issac focuses on recovery and healing, thereby improving the overall mental health of his patients and helping them live a fuller and happier life.
Dr. Issac is popular among his patients for being very kind, respectful, empathetic, articulate, patient, and always willing to listen. He conducts suicide assessments and acute stabilization, which includes working with the family and employer to provide the required care and support.
Medical School
St. George’s University: School of Medicine
Psychiatry Residency Training
Richmond University Medical Center: affiliate of Mount Sinai Health Network
Bachelors of Science (B.S.) in Psychobiology
Binghamton University – State University of New York
Board Certification
American Board of Preventative Medicine – Addiction Medicine, Board Certification
American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology – Psychiatry, Board Certification
Board Certified Psychiatrist with Multiple State Licenses MBBS (MD)
Dr. Gundu Reddy is a Board Certified Psychiatrist with over fifteen years of experience practicing clinical psychiatry experience. She also has ten years of experience practicing forensic psychiatry. Dr. Reddy has trained in medication management, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Dr. Reddy is interested in integrative psychiatry and believes multiple factors should be considered when evaluating and treating a patient. This, as per Dr. Reddy at includes genetic and developmental factors, medical illness, nutrition, hormones, and environmental and dynamic factors.
Dr. Reddy believes that it is extremely critical to understand psychodynamic conflict and the causes of symptoms while prescribing medication, family, or relationship therapy, understanding psychodynamic conflict and causes of symptoms as will help enhance the quality of care. Apart from psychodynamic training Dr Reddy also has a background in integrative psychiatry and treatment resistance.
Medical School
The United Medical Dental Schools of Guys Kings and St Thomas’ at King’s College London
Psychiatry Residency Training
Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Training
NYU Psychoanalytic Institute
Board Certification
American Board of Psychiatry Neurology
Schedule an Appointment with one of our Online Psychiatrists
Clinical Services: California, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, South Carolina, Tennessee
Forensic Psychiatry Services: All of the US and Canada
Social Anxiety Medication
When social anxiety becomes debilitating, medication can help make things easier. Different types of medications can lower anxiety and help people feel more comfortable in social situations. It is important to talk to a doctor to find the right medication and create a plan that works best.
Common Medications for Social Anxiety:
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs):
These are often the first choice for treating social anxiety. They work by boosting serotonin levels in the brain, which can help improve mood and reduce anxiety.
Benzodiazepines:
These medications are typically prescribed for short-term relief of anxiety symptoms. They work to calm the nervous system but are not recommended for the long term because they can lead to dependence.
Beta-Blockers:
These are used to manage physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heartbeat. They can help individuals feel calmer in stressful moments, especially situations like public speaking.
Therapy is extremely useful in treating shame, guilt, and anxiety associated with intrusive thoughts. However, therapy usually does not fully make the symptoms go away.
Typically, the best results for social anxiety symptoms occur with the following medications:
1. Serotonin Reputable Inhibitors
Different SSRIs are commonly prescribed to manage anxiety and reduce the fear of social interactions. Higher doses than those used for depression may be needed to alleviate symptoms fully. Side effects can include reduced sex drive and low motivation, so it’s important to choose one with the best side effect profile.
2. Tricyclic Antidepressants
TCAs are sometimes effective for social anxiety but are less commonly used due to potential side effects like weight gain and risks in overdose. They are typically not the first-line treatment unless other options are ineffective.
3. Serotonin Modulators
These medications can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms while generally causing fewer sexual side effects than SSRIs.
4. Mood Stabilizers
Mood stabilizers that work on the glutamate system can cause rapid resolution of OCD symptoms. Medications that increase circulating dopamine can help with OCD symptoms.
5. Atypical Antipsychotics
Some atypical antipsychotics can sometimes dramatically improve OCD symptoms due to partial agonist effects on the dopamine receptor.
Ultimately, many medications are safe, non-addictive, and work extremely well for the treatment of OCD. Sometimes, finding the best medication for you takes a little trial and error. Everyone’s receptors and physiology are different.
Careful titration under medical supervision is needed to ensure you are on the right medication. The end goal should be maximum symptom relief with minimum side effects.
Sometimes, a combination of two medications is needed to produce optimum effect and minimum side effect profiles, as high doses of one medication can lead to side effects in some individuals.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to OCD medication, and individual tailoring is the key to optimum treatment outcomes.
Therapy for Social Anxiety Treatment
Therapy is a key part of online social anxiety treatment, as it gives people the support and tools they need to manage their fears and improve how they interact with others. It helps them understand and change the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their anxiety while also boosting their confidence in social situations.
Different therapy methods teach individuals to face their fears, become more resilient, and live happier, more connected lives.
CBT Treatment for Social Anxiety
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that helps individuals identify and change negative behaviors and thoughts through structured techniques and methods.
- It makes them more aware of their anxious thoughts or negative thinking so that they can handle difficult situations and respond in a healthy manner.
- CBT enhances interpersonal and social skills, increases confidence, and makes individuals feel more comfortable in social settings. This can help them reduce feelings of loneliness and restlessness.
- Social anxiety can manifest itself as physical signs like sweating, shaking, or a rapid heartbeat. CBT uses mindfulness and relaxation techniques to help individuals manage these signs and alleviate some of them.
- CBT helps individuals set realistic and achievable goals, such as conversing in a meeting, participating in group activities, or attending social events. As they progress toward these goals, they gain confidence and feel less anxious in social settings.
Exposure Therapy for Social Anxiety Treatment
- Exposure therapy for social anxiety treatment helps individuals gradually face and confront feared social situations in a safe, controlled environment.
- It allows people to learn that social situations are less threatening than they imagine, reducing anxiety over time.
- The process starts by identifying specific social triggers, like public speaking or attending events.
- A hierarchy of fears is created, beginning with less intimidating situations and slowly progressing to more challenging ones.
- Repeated exposure leads to desensitization, improving confidence and social functioning over time.
Psychotherapy for Social Anxiety
- Psychotherapy, also known as ‘talk therapy’, focuses on teaching practical skills to enhance communication and social interaction in social settings.
- It encourages individuals to identify their anxious thoughts by maintaining a diary, which allows them to validate their thoughts and encourages them to change their negative thoughts to positive ones.
- If practiced regularly, psychotherapy can help individuals improve their interpersonal skills, which can reduce their anxiety levels and make them feel more comfortable in daily-life interactions.
- Psychotherapy can also be practiced in the form of roleplay during therapy sessions to prepare them for social interactions in a safe space and environment, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zone.
Supplements For Social Anxiety Treatment
It is observed that therapy and medications are mainly used for social anxiety treatment, but some people have claimed that dietary supplements can also provide extra support. Studies show that in the U.S., around 20% of people dealing with anxiety have tried some form of supplement to alleviate the anxiety symptoms.
Many different types of supplements have been studied to understand their potential in treating anxiety and improving mental health. Treatment and medication can differ from one individual to another depending on the severity of the condition and individual needs. Therefore, it is important to consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
Some of the popular supplements that may help with social anxiety are mentioned below:
Omega-3 Fatty Acids for
Social Anxiety Treatment
Omega-3 fatty acids are commonly found in fish oil and used for social anxiety treatment. Studies show that omega-3 fatty acids can support brain health and may help reduce anxiety symptoms. It was observed that omega-3s can lower inflammation and produce neurotransmitters that help in mood regulation. Including omega-3-rich foods such as fatty fish, walnuts, flaxseeds, and fish oil supplements can help individuals struggling with anxiety.
Ashwagandha for
Social Anxiety Treatment
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that is used in Ayurvedic medicine to help manage stress and used for social anxiety treatment. Studies show that it can reduce anxiety by calming the body’s stress response. It also promotes relaxation without any significant side effects which makes it a safe choice. It is available in the form of capsules, tablets, and powders and can easily be added to your daily routine.
Magnesium for
Social Anxiety Treatment
Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays an important role in mood regulation and stress management and used for social anxiety treatment. Studies show that patients with high levels of anxiety and depression have low levels of magnesium in the body. It is observed that taking magnesium may reduce anxiety and help with relaxation. It is important to include magnesium-rich foods in the diet such as leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
Passion Flower for
Social Anxiety Treatment
Passion flower has been used for centuries to treat anxiety and insomnia and used for social anxiety treatment. Studies show that it can also help in managing acute stress by reducing anxiety. Passion flower boosts the levels of GABA which is a neurotransmitter that helps in promoting relaxation. It is available in different forms like teas, capsules, or tinctures, that can help in relaxing the mind and managing social anxiety.
Alternative Treatments for Social Anxiety
Alternative treatments, such as yoga, meditation, exercise, etc. have proven to be effective in treating symptoms of anxiety disorders. Complementary practices are generally considered to be natural and safer treatment options for psychiatric conditions.
Yoga for Social Anxiety Treatment
Yoga is a mind-body practice that combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation and helpful for social anxiety treatment. Research shows that it may help in treating anxiety disorders. Practicing yoga releases tension improves balance, and boosts self-confidence among individuals.
Specific yoga integrations like deep breathing, alternate nostril breathing, and humming bee breath relieve mental stress and ease anger. They also improve concentration and mental focus, which may foster self-awareness and make it easy to cope with social anxiety.
Meditation for Social Anxiety Treatment
Meditation for social anxiety treatment is a powerful tool that has shown promising results in treating distressing feelings associated with conditions like social anxiety. It is an ancient practice with the potential to promote emotional well-being and soothe the mind.
In the context of social anxiety, various forms of meditation like Mindfulness Meditation and Vedic Meditation offer a pathway to inner calm and increased self-assurance. Mindfulness medication for social anxiety allows individuals to observe their feelings and thoughts without judgment and achieve self-awareness. It makes the grip of social anxiety go loose and paves the way for better social interactions.
Acupuncture for Social Anxiety Treatment
Acupuncture as a social anxiety treatment has shown promising results in treating social anxiety disorder. It is a traditional Chinese technique that can help reduce anxiety levels, increase self-esteem, and improve the ability to cope with social situations.
Clinical experiences involving acupuncture treatment have yielded positive results for social anxiety. It is known to be well-tolerated and safe, with patients reporting an improved quality of life.
Acupuncture balances the sympathetic and parasympathetic activity in the autonomic nervous system, which reduces the body’s response to stressors and promotes a state of relaxation. As acupuncture points are connected to the nervous system, they regulate the activity of neurotransmitters such as GABA, serotonins, and endorphins.
Social anxiety leads to physical discomfort due to tensed muscles. Acupuncture helps reduce muscle tension and promotes relaxation in the body.
What Causes Social Anxiety ?
Social Anxiety can develop from a mix of factors that contribute to fear and discomfort in social situations. While everyone experiences nervousness now and then, social anxiety goes deeper than that, often linked to past experiences, genetics, and environment. Understanding what causes social anxiety can help manage it better.
Some common causes of Social Anxiety include:
Genetics:
Having a family history of anxiety can increase the likelihood of developing social anxiety.
Negative Experiences:
Bullying, teasing, or being embarrassed in social settings can lead to lasting social fear.
Brain Chemistry:
Imbalances in brain chemicals, like serotonin, may play a role in social anxiety.
Personality:
People who are naturally shy and introverted might be more prone to develop social anxiety.
Environment:
Growing up in a highly critical or overly protective environment can contribute to social anxiety.
Social Anxiety Symptoms
Social anxiety can really affect how someone goes about their daily life. It often makes social situations feel scary and uncomfortable because they worry too much about what others think of them. Knowing the signs of social anxiety can help people understand what they’re dealing with and find the right support.
Intense Nervousness:
People often feel extremely nervous around social situations, worrying about what others think of them. This makes it hard to relax or enjoy the moment.
Fear of Judgement:
Many individuals are afraid of being judged or criticized by others. This fear can lead to avoidance of social events, making it difficult to connect with friends and family.
Physical Symptoms:
Symptoms can also be physical, like sweating, a fast heartbeat, or trembling. These bodily reactions can make social situations feel even more overwhelming.
Overthinking:
Individuals may spend a lot of time worrying about what to say or do in social situations. This overthinking can lead to second-guessing themselves and feeling more anxious.
Avoidance:
People with social anxiety often avoid social situations that make them uncomfortable. This might mean skipping parties, avoiding public speaking, and or not meeting people.
Low self-esteem:
Those affected may struggle with low self-esteem and feel that they are not good enough compared to others.
Replaying conversations:
After social interactions, individuals may obsess over what they said or how they acted. This can lead to feelings of embarrassment or worry about how others perceive them.
Seeking professional help, like CBT treatment for social anxiety, can be a crucial step toward managing these symptoms and improving social confidence.
Types of Social Anxiety
Social Anxiety can show up in different forms, and knowing these types is important in getting the right help. Some people might feel anxious about specific situations, like speaking in front of a crowd, while others may feel nervous in everyday social interactions.
Some types of Social Anxiety include:
1. Generalized Social Anxiety:
This type involves feeling anxious in most social situations, with a constant worry of being judged or embarrassed by others. Individuals may experience overwhelming fear in everyday interactions, making it harder for them to engage socially.
2. Performance Anxiety:
This is the fear of being evaluated while speaking in public or performing in front of others. People with this type may experience nervousness, sweating, and a racing heart when faced with situations like giving speeches or singing.
3. Social Interaction Anxiety:
This focuses on feeling nervous during conversations or when meeting new people. Individuals often struggle to initiate or maintain conversation due to fear of being negatively evaluated.
4. Specific Social Anxiety/Phobia:
This type occurs when someone feels anxious in specific social situations, like eating in public or making a phone call. The anxiety is not generalized but is triggered by specific social scenarios that a person might find challenging.
5. Academic Anxiety:
Common in kids and teens, this type involves fear of attending school and interacting with classmates and teachers. This anxiety can lead to avoidance behaviors, affecting their academic performance and social growth.