Description A disorder in which...
Description
A disorder in which normal social situations cause extreme anxiety and avoidance behavior. In its mild form, it is known as "stage fright." People with this disorder may go to lengths to avoid these situations and can have difficulties performing straight forward tasks such as shopping. Patients often feel embarrassment and know their anxiety reactions are abnormal.
Symptoms
Patients experience fear and anxiety about the following tasks: speaking in public, meeting new people, eating in public, writing in public, using public restrooms, attending parties. Patients withdraw from those around them.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. No tests are generally needed.
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric and Adolescent Psychiatry
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. No tests are generally needed.
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric and Adolescent Psychiatry
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to help the person function more effectively. Even with mild symptoms, social anxiety can improve with a blood pressure medicine from the drug family "beta blockers." The medicine prevents the heart from racing and can greatly diminish social anxiety. Other treatment options include: systematic desensitization, graded real-life exposure, social skills training, role playing and modeling, anti-anxiety medications and anti-depressants.