I’ve learned that I have a Social Anxiety Disorder - what’s the next step in pursuing treatment?
It’s sort of a self diagnoses. I’ve been asking around for years and doing research off and on and I came across the symptoms for Social Anxiety Disorder. I seem to have about 90% of the symptoms in such a severe way that it effects my daily life dramatically. I’m unable to see psychologists or doctors due to the cost, and I don’t have any support from family. I’ve been reading about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, but how do I know that’s right for me? As long as I know a certain treatment will work for me, I would be willing to do everything in my power to try and get it. I’m afraid if I wait too long, my depression as a result from my social anxiety will get even worse and impair any chances I have of recovering. Thanks everyone!
Posted in cognitive treatment
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November 6th, 2009 at 9:33 am
I don’t know much about CBT but I would urge you to try to get some type of professional help. I totally understand about the cost of doctors and such. I’ve struggled with that myself. Are you employed? Some employer’s have employee assistance programs (EAP) that are free to employees. These programs can offer help in many different areas including mental health. I work part time and still have access to my companies EAP. If this is something that’s not available there may be a government sponsored mental health clinic in your area. There has been so much research lately about the importance of being mentally healthy that it is becoming easier to find the treatment you need. Look into your local health department.
I am so sorry that you don’t have the support of your family. That makes this so much harder to deal with. It seems as if a lot of friends and family don’t understand that this isn’t something that can just be "thought" away. You may have a chemical imbalance that needs medical (drug) therapy. (I’m not pushing the drugs, but, I know they have helped me.) I would hate to see you get worse because of lack of funds and support. If you would like, you may email me through my profile. I can’t provide funds, but I might be able to provide support. Good luck to you.
November 6th, 2009 at 9:33 am
Social anxiety disorder typically persists for life, often waxing and waning. But don’t lose hope. Treatment can help you control symptoms and become more confident and relaxed in social situations.
The two most effective types of treatment are medications and a form of psychotherapy called cognitive behavior therapy. For the greatest effectiveness, they’re often used in combination.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive behavior therapy is the only type of therapy that has been shown to be effective in treating social anxiety disorder. This type of therapy is based on the idea that your own thoughts — not other people or situations — determine how you behave or react. Even if an unwanted situation won’t change — you still have to give a presentation to management, for instance — you can change the way you think and behave in a positive way. In therapy, you learn how to recognize and change negative thoughts about yourself.
Cognitive behavior therapy may also include exposure therapy. In this type of therapy, you gradually work up to facing the situations you fear most. This allows you to become better skilled at coping with these anxiety-inducing situations and to develop the confidence to face them. You may also participate in skills training or role-playing to practice your social skills and gain comfort and confidence relating to others. You may also learn relaxation or stress management techniques.
First choices in medications
Several types of medications are used to treat social anxiety disorder. However, the Food and Drug Administration has specifically approved only three medications, all antidepressants, to treat social anxiety disorder.
Those antidepressants are:
Paroxetine (Paxil, Paxil CR)
Sertraline (Zoloft)
Venlafaxine (Effexor)
Other medication options
Your doctor or mental health provider may also prescribe other medications that haven’t been specifically approved for social anxiety disorder. This is a common and legal practice called off-label use. These medications may include:
Other antidepressants. You may have to try several different antidepressants to find which one is the most effective and has the fewest unpleasant side effects.
Anti-anxiety medications. A type of anti-anxiety medication called benzodiazepines (ben-zo-di-AZ-uh-penes) may reduce your level of anxiety. Although they often work quickly, they can be habit-forming. Because of that, they’re often prescribed for only short-term use. They may also be sedating.
Beta blockers. These medications work by blocking the stimulating effect of epinephrine (adrenaline). They may reduce heart rate, blood pressure, pounding of the heart, and shaking voice and limbs. Because of that, they may work best when used infrequently to control symptoms for a particular situation, such as giving a speech. They’re not recommended for general treatment of social anxiety disorder.
Stick with it
Don’t give up if treatment doesn’t work quickly. You can continue to make strides in therapy over several weeks or months. And remember that finding the right medication for your situation can take some trial and error.
For some people, the symptoms of social anxiety disorder may fade over time, and medication can be discontinued. Others may need to take medication for years to prevent a relapse.