The LIGHT Center, T-90, College of the Redwoods (476-4290) - April 24, 2000

That queasy feeling is only one symptom of a rather common problem. No, not the flu. Social Anxiety Disorder is a condition that plagues a great number of people. Kessler, McGonagle and Zhao (1994) suggest that Social Anxiety Disorder is the third most prevalent psychiatric disorder in the United States. They estimated that 1 out of every 8 Americans suffer from the disorder.

In a nutshell, Social Anxiety Disorder is an intense fear of social situations and interaction with other people. Some of the more common situations that are affected by the disorder include:

• Being the center of attention
• Being teased or criticized
• Being introduced to new people
• Being watched or scrutinized when doing a task
• Meeting people in authority
• Making small talk at parties
• Being part of an interactive circle and being required to speak
• Speaking in front of an audience
• Using a public restroom
• Eating out

While many people experience some tension when placed in situations such as these, the people who suffer from SAD experience devastating consequences to their anxiety. In many cases they end up in isolation, unwilling to go to school or work or even socialize with friends. Often they turn to alcohol or drugs for relief. People suffering from the disorder are less likely to marry or have children. Some of the more common physical consequences of Social Anxiety Disorder are:

• Rapid Heartbeat
• Sweating
• Trembling
• Stomach Upset
• Muscle Tension
• Blushing
• Confusion
• Panic Attack

Social Anxiety Disorder usually begins in the mid teenage years, however the person usually has a history of being a shy child. Some studies indicate that it is more common in women, however that may simply be a greater willingness on a female’s part to seek help. SAD also appears to run in families. One unsettling thing about this disorder is that it often precedes more serious psychiatric conditions such as obsessive compulsive disorder, depression or severe panic attacks.

There is no definitive single cause identified at this time. Both biological and psychological factors are thought to be implicated in the onset. One theory implicates Serotonin as important in this disorder as well as in other mood or anxiety disorders.

Those who are lifting the world upward and onward are those who encourage more than criticize. -- Elizabeth Harrison

It is not uncommon to find individuals with Social Anxiety Disorder turning to drugs or alcohol. This is one of the worst possible solutions. Also, it is very tempting to tell the person with the disorder to simply "learn to live with it". In most cases, the individual who is afflicted knows that their fears are irrational and telling them to live with it suggests that there is nothing they can actively do to cope with the situation.

Treatment for SAD is usually a combination of medication and therapy. In terms of the therapy, one is advised to "shop around" for a therapist who suits the individual’s specific needs. Types of therapy which tend to be effective are:

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

This "talk" type of therapy teaches the individual to react differently to the situations that trigger their anxiety symptoms. The therapist helps them confront the negative feeling they may have about social situations. It is used with gradual controlled exposure to the anxiety provoking situations.

• Social Skills Training

This is part of "talk" therapy and is not to be confused with classes of "etiquette". This therapy involves meeting with a therapist to role-play and discuss problematic social situations. For example, the individual is shown how to make eye contact, talk more naturally, greet people appropriately, and respond to criticism. They are also encouraged to keep a diary of their experiences.

Comments? Questions? mailto:trish-blair@redwoods.edu