Social Phobia
A small amount of social anxiety is a normal in growing up. When developing emotional maturity and social skills, social anxiety can and mostly will occur. Social anxiety can be triggered by stepping outside of our comfort zone. This can be for example to take on new responsibilities at work or to try a new sport. A less adaptive form of social anxiety is social phobia. This is an extreme form of social anxiety. Social phobia is a disorder where people experience an extreme and persistent fear in social situations.
The word “phobia” implies an intense, illogical fear. So, people with social phobia are not just a bit timid or uncomfortable. They experience an extreme anxiety, fear, and a desire to avoid social interactions. This disorder usually does so in the early to mid-teens. It can however also start in childhood or adulthood
The German Psychiatric Clinic CHMC offers treatment for social anxiety as well as the full range of mental health issues. Before beginning treatment for social anxiety in our Dubai clinic, a thorough diagnostic is required to rule out other mental health issues.
Why People Get Social Anxiety
Social phobia and anxiety may be rooted in societal, genetic, or both factors. Thus, there is a strong interplay between nature and nurture in this disorder. People with this kind of condition have frequently experienced bad social interactions in the past. These encounters may involve bullying, ineffective parenting, or any form of public humiliation. You could say that they have experienced a social trauma.
People with social anxiety disorder are impacted by underdeveloped social skills and inexperience. They worry about getting examined or assessed. They avoid social events. Such as get-togethers, participatory work meetings, presentations, dating, etc.). Also, the days before the event are filled with anxiety. People who suffer from social anxiety experience such intense discomfort that they will do everything to avoid being around people. Avoidance however has a negative impact on the anxiety and helps it maintain. Therefore, it limits a person’s possibilities in life.
Signs of Social Anxiety
The following behaviors and symptoms are listed by the National Institute of Mental Health (2019) for those who are affected:
- Blushing, sweating, tremble, experience a spike in heart rate, or experience “mind going blank”
- Feelings of nausea
- Maintain a stiff posture, avoid making eye contact, or use an excessively quiet voice when speaking.
- Feel uncomfortable and uneasy with new people, especially, and find it difficult to communicate with them despite their desire to do so.
- Feel unpleasant and ashamed in front of other people and be extremely self-conscious
- Fear greatly that they will be judged by others
- Avoid areas where other people are present.
Social phobia can have a moderate impact on someone’s life but can also be disabling a person’s life. An individual with this kind of anxiety may find it difficult to deal with social, intellectual, and professional contexts. For example, there are college dropouts who attribute their leaving to fear of presenting in class. Moreover, some professionals are overlooked for promotions due to their lack of initiative and presentation skills. Also, there are good people without a partner or a network of friends because of their anxiety. This illness has the potential to cause significant loss of human potential.
How Dubai’s CHMC Handles Social Phobia
It is possible to treat social anxiety. One efficient, scientifically supported treatment method for social anxiety disorders, including social phobia, is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
The theory underlying CBT is that an individual starts to reframe the thoughts that keep them stuck in avoidance and fear. An atmosphere of safety and nonjudgment will be offered by a psychologist or counselor. The patient can talk about their feelings and ideas there in order to adjust their perspective. Moreover, psychotherapy offers the chance to develop social skills and experience. The patient’s newly acquired abilities will translate to different social contexts.
The fear response of social anxiety disorder is the same as that of any other anxiety illness. If you have an overactive “flight or fight” response, the psychiatrist may recommend medication. Your system will return to normal as a result.
We can evaluate your psychotherapy and psychiatric needs at CHMC and offer the best available care plan, resources, and assistance.