Whether it’s with work or school, people can find public
speaking or starting conversations with strangers difficult. It is a natural
feeling, and nearly everyone experiences worry or shyness. Most people overcome these feelings with
time, but it may be more difficult for others.
Difficulty in overcoming worry and fear is commonly associated with a
social anxiety disorder.
اضافة اعلان
(Photo: Envato Elements)
What is social anxiety?
Social anxiety is a condition that is more severe than being
shy or nervous in a social setting. It is completely normal to be nervous about
big events that are not a common part of your life, such as presenting in front
of a crowd. In these situations, you may feel your mouth go a little dry, your
hands may become cold and clammy, or you might even start to feel butterflies
in your stomach. Emotionally, you may feel a slight sense of dread, worry, and
overall unease.
Now picture that same feeling, but with everyday social
interactions, such as going to the grocery store, school, or even walking down
the street. The emotions associated with social interactions may be even more
extreme than nervousness. For those with social anxiety, it is a chronic mental
health condition that stems from the fear of being judged or scrutinized.
Ultimately, those with social anxiety often avoid certain social situations,
disrupting daily life and affecting the ability to form relationships.
Causes and risk factors
Like most mental health issues, the exact cause of social
anxiety is unclear. Several studies have been conducted using brain imaging and
blood flow to determine the regions of the brain responsible for
anxiety.
Generally speaking, those with any form of anxiety may find increased blood
flow to specific areas in the brain, including the brain stem, prefrontal
cortex, and motor cortex.
Increased blood flow indicates more brain activity, and each
region plays a role in the development of anxiety.
The brain stem is responsible for basic functions, such as
breathing and
heart rate. The prefrontal cortex is responsible for our
cognitive thought, and the motor cortex is responsible for muscle movement.
For those diagnosed with social anxiety, increased blood
flow to the amygdala was found to be the most significant. The amygdala is a
part of the limbic system that is responsible for behavioral and emotional
responses. It is also an integral part of our fight-or-flight response and is
active during fearful situations.
Many factors can influence the likelihood of developing
social anxiety. In the case of all anxiety disorders, some people might have a
significant genetic predisposition to developing social anxiety. Physical
appearance may also play a role; those born with certain
physical characteristics that deviate from beauty standards may cause that individual to
be more self-conscious.
Some individuals have a natural proclivity to avoid new
situations, which may be seen in early childhood development. Environmental
factors may also play a role; it is believed that some anxious responses or
behaviors can be learned through authority figures such as parents, or peer
groups, such as friends. This may include the development of unhealthy coping
mechanisms, such as conflict avoidance, and may be worsened by major life
changes.
Signs and symptoms of social anxiety
There are many symptoms of social anxiety that mirror common
shyness or nervousness, which can make diagnosing more difficult. Typically, the onset of symptoms
will occur around the age of 13 and can be divided into physical and
psychological symptoms.
Physically, those with social anxiety may begin to blush,
sweat, tremble, or feel nauseous when placed in a social setting. Cumulatively,
this may result in increased heart rate and breathing, rigid body posture,
little to no eye contact, or speaking in a soft or quiet voice.
Physiologically, the symptoms are far more subjective and
even more difficult to spot. An individual with social anxiety will avoid
social situations, have extreme or irrational worry, severely fear being judged
or rejected, and have intense feelings of
self-consciousness.
Social anxiety in Jordan
Data on social anxiety in Jordan is extremely limited.
However, one study conducted in 2019 focused on assessing the level of social
anxiety and gave important insights into factors that attribute to lower social
anxiety.
The study focused on university students in Shoubak and Maan
and found that levels of social anxiety were considered to be relatively low.
The researchers attributed these findings to the educational environment. They
concluded that due to the low number of students, a more familial relationship
had been formed between the administration and students.
Treating social anxiety
There is no cure for social anxiety, only ways to manage or
reduce associated symptoms to cope with the condition. Conventional treatment
may involve a combination of medication and psychotherapy.
Recently, there has been growing interest in the benefits of
cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is a form of psychotherapy that focuses
on healthier ways of thinking, behaving, and reacting to specific situations.
Many research studies found that it can even affect positive
changes in the brain structures involved in the processing and regulation of
emotions. CBT may take a while to see significant positive changes, but it can
be an effective long-term solution.
For short-term treatment, a psychiatrist may use medication
to help manage some of the symptoms associated with social anxiety.
Antidepressants are among the most widely used medications, mainly selective serotonin
reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
Despite being an antidepressant, many studies have found that 50-80 percent of
individuals with social anxiety respond well after taking an SSRI or SNRI for
8-12 weeks.
Because antidepressants need several weeks to see results, a
psychiatrist may use anti-anxiety medications in severe cases. The most widely
used anti-anxiety medications are benzodiazepines, which exert their effects
quickly. Some of the most commonly used benzodiazepines include alprazolam
(Xanax) and lorazepam (Ativan).
There are also many exercises and lifestyle changes that can
help with social anxiety. Adjusting one’s diet may have potential benefits.
Caffeine may aggravate or trigger anxiety, whereas omega-3 fatty acids may
improve overall mood and anxiety.
Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in nuts and fish but can
also be taken as supplements. Additionally, many exercises may help, including
breathing exercises, challenging negative thinking patterns, and practicing
patience.
Read more Health