Social phobia is a psychological disorder in which the individual feels very anxious in social situations such as talking or eating in public places, getting into crowded places, going to a party or doing a job interview, for example.
In this disorder the individual becomes insecure and concerned about their performance or what they may think of him, so he avoids situations where he can be judged by other people.
In generalized social phobia the individual fears almost all social situations, such as talking, dating, going out in public places, talking, eating, writing in public, among others. In non-generalized or restricted social phobia the individual only fears about specific social situations.
Social phobia has a cure if treatment is properly performed by the individual.
Symptoms of social phobia
Symptoms of social phobia include:
- Palpitations;
- Shortness of breath;
- Dizziness;
- Sweat;
- Blurry vision;
- Tremors;
- I stutter or have difficulty speaking;
- Red face;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Forget what to say or do.
The onset of onset of social phobia is uncertain and gradual, making it difficult for the patient to identify when the problem began. However, most of the time it occurs in childhood or adolescence.
Causes of social phobia
Causes of social phobia may be related to:
- Previous traumatic experience in public;
- Fear of social exposure;
- Criticism;
- Rejection;
- Low self esteem;
- Overprotective parents;
- Few social opportunities.
These situations diminish the individual's confidence and produce a strong insecurity, causing the individual to doubt his ability to perform any function in public.
Treatment for social phobia
Treatment for social phobia can be done with:
- Medications for anxiety and antidepressants;
- Cognitive behavioral therapy in which the individual learns to control the symptoms of anxiety, challenges the thoughts that make him anxious, replacing them with appropriate and positive thoughts, coping with real-life situations to overcome his fears, and practicing his group social skills.
The psychiatrist and psychologist are the professionals indicated for the treatment of social phobia.
