Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment in South Lake Union - Seattle, WA
Everyone worries or gets nervous sometimes - that's normal. But for people with social anxiety disorder, fear of being judged or embarrassed in front of others can make life much more difficult. Social anxiety disorder is much more than just being shy.
People with social anxiety disorder are afraid of doing basic, seemingly normal things in front of others. This may include being afraid to eat or drink in front of others, speak to a new person or just go out the front door. Social anxiety disorder can be a crippling condition that causes isolation and depression in some cases.
Some people will experience anxiety only in certain settings. For other people the fear is constant. People with a social anxiety disorder know that their fear is irrational and would like to stop the behavior but can't.
Learn more about social anxiety disorder. Call (206) 966-4522 or contact Dr. Marina Abrams online.
Social Anxiety Symptoms
People who suffer from social anxiety disorder can display symptoms that range from mild to severe and include:
- Fear of being judged by others
- Feeling self-conscious and embarrassed in front of others for no reason
- Feeling anxious and have trouble talking around others even though they would like to be social
- Avoiding places with other people
- Worrying for days or weeks before an event
- Trouble making friends
- Blushing, sweating, or trembling around other people
- Experience nausea when facing other people
Causes of Social Anxiety
No one really knows for sure. For some people, genetics may play a role and it can run in families. Scientists continue to study the brain's role and response to fear and anxiety and hope to build better treatments in the future.
Diagnosing Social Anxiety Disorder
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, most social phobias start during childhood. Symptoms that last 6 months or longer should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Your provider will start by doing a thorough physical examination and maybe bloodwork to make sure there isn't a physical trigger of your symptoms. Make sure to talk honestly and openly with your provider during your appointment so that he or she can understand your problems more fully.
Your provider may refer you to a mental health professional for additional treatment.
Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment
Social anxiety disorders are usually treated with a combination of therapy, psychotherapy and medications. Your healthcare provider will help you decide what treatment is best based on your specific situation, symptoms, preferences and treatment or medical history.
Psychotherapy (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
Cognitive behavioral therapy is especially helpful for men and women with social anxiety disorder. The approach can teach better ways of thinking, behaving and responding to stressful situations. It can also be used to practice social skills.
Medications
Your healthcare provider may prescribe anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications to treat social anxiety disorder. Anti-anxiety medications work quickly but aren't meant to be a long-term treatment.
Antidepressants are used most frequently, but remember that they can take 6-8 weeks or longer to take full effect in your body so be patient.
Request More Information
To learn more about social anxiety disorder and get help, please call (206) 966-4522 or contact Dr. Marina Abrams online.
Water's Edge Natural Medicine
Address
1000 2nd AveSuite 2920
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 966-4522
www.naturopathic.com
Hours
Mon:
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Tue:
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Wed:
8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Thu:
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Fri:
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Sat:
Closed
Sun:
Closed