Vitamins and Your Health: Social Anxiety Disorder
Learn more about today’s vitamins and your health topic; what is Social Anxiety Disorder?
Today’s vitamins and your health topic; what is Social Anxiety Disorder? Social Anxiety is a psychiatric disorder in which an individual becomes physically sick in social situations. The individual develops a fear of social situations that involve interactions with other people. The individual develops fear and anxiety of being evaluated and judged by other people. Social Anxiety Disorder or Social Phobia affects one out of eight Americans.
Those affected with Social Anxiety Disorder may be seen by others as being withdrawn, shy, quiet, backwards, unfriendly, inhibited, aloof, nervous, and disinterested. However, those affected with Social Anxiety Disorder want very much to be normal, socially. Interactions with other individuals becomes extremely difficult and prevents those affected from doing what they want.
If you are affected with Social Anxiety Disorder, you may experience distress in situations in which you are being: teased or criticized, the center of attention, introduced to other people, and watched or observed while doing something. Feelings that may accompany social anxiety include fear, nervousness, constant intense anxiety, rapid heartbeat, blushing, excessive sweating, and dry throat. Many of those affected realize that their social anxiety is irrational and not logical. However, these thoughts and feelings persist. Treatment does exist which includes cognitive-behavioral therapy in conjunction with anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications. Research has shown high success rates with the above treatments. If you or someone you know is suffering from Social Anxiety Disorder, vitamins and your health encourages you to please consult your physician for further follow up.
Kristy Haugen
- Interested in the Social Phobia/Social Anxiety Association?
Learn more about Social Anxiety Disorder from the SP/SAA.
