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What is social anxiety disorder? What is the best medication for it ?

social anxiety disorder

Social anxiety is the amount of fear that feels of being nervous or uncomfortable in a social situation. Social anxiety disorder is known as social phobia, which causes anxiety and fear of out speaking in public. The impact of social anxiety disorder on those who suffer from it can be severe. For example, people may decline a job that demands regular interaction with new people or avoid going out to dine with friends because they are concerned their hands may tremble while eating or drinking. Symptoms can be so severe that they disrupt daily routines, occupational performance, and social life, making it difficult to complete school, interview for and acquire a job, and maintain friendships and love connections. Major depressive illness and alcoholism are more common in those with social anxiety disorder.

Social anxiety disorder is a long-term mental health problem, counseling and medication can help you build confidence and enhance your ability to communicate with others.

In the United States, about 15 million persons suffer with social anxiety disorder, making it the second most prevalent anxiety disorder after particular phobia. Adolescence is the most common time for the start of social anxiety disorder. Although persons with social anxiety disorder often have acute shyness as a child, it’s important to understand that this isn’t the same as shyness.

Benzodiazepines, especially Blue Alprazolam 1mg (Xanax), are modest tranquillizers that work by slowing down the central nervous system and thereby alleviating anxiety symptoms. Benzodiazepines, despite being quick-acting and well-tolerated, have the potential to become addictive and should not be provided to anyone who has a substance abuse problem. Moreover, Benzodiazepines is considered as the first line of treatment for the Social anxiety disorder (SAD). 

Introduction

Social anxiety disorder is excessive fear of situations in which one may be judged, worry about embarrassment or humiliation or concern about offending someone. The therapy options for social anxiety disorder are determined by the severity of mental and physical symptoms, as well as how well you function on a daily basis (SAD). The length of treatment also varies. Some people may react well to first therapy and require not enough care, while others may require permanent assistance.

In the treatment of social anxiety disorder, both medication and counseling have been found to be useful. Others with generalized social anxiety benefit from a mix of medicine and treatment, but people with anxiety related to one sort of performance or social scenario benefit from therapy alone. So, whether you’ve been diagnosed with SAD or suspect you may have it, know that it is treatable.

Prescribed medication

SAD (Social Anxiety Disorder) can be treated with a variety of medications. Each has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, depending on the scenario. A comprehensive assessment of drug efficacy in the treatment of SAD found a minor to medium-sized benefit, with all of the following medication categories showing improvements.

There are several forms of medicine that may be effective in treating the symptoms of social anxiety disorder, and one of them might be a good option.

These therapies are mentioned below.

  • Benzodiazepines (Alprazolam)
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
  • Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
  • Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
  • Beta Blockers
  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

 

Benzodiazepines (Alprazolam)

Benzodiazepines are modest tranquilisers that work by slowing down the central nervous system and thereby alleviating anxiety symptoms. Benzodiazepines, although being quick-acting and well-tolerated, have the potential to become addictive. Therefore it is recommended to not share this medicine with symptomatic patients or anyone without prescription.

  • Xanax (alprazolam)
  • Ativan (lorazepam)
  • Valium (diazepam)
  • Klonopin (clonazepam)

Moreover, Benzodiazepines is considered as the first line of treatment for the Social anxiety disorder (SAD). 

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors SSRIs are considered the first-line pharmacological treatment because of their low side effects and simplicity of usage. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors are medicines that block the reuptake of serotonin in the brain. SSRIs, on the other hand, should always be tapered when therapy is completed due to the possibility of withdrawal symptoms. The following are some options:

  • Paxil CR (paroxetine)
  • Luvox CR (fluvoxamine)
  • Zoloft (sertraline)
  • Lexapro (escitalopram)
  • Celexa (citalopram)
  • Prozac (fluoxetine)

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors SNRIs are a class of antidepressants used in anxiety treatment that act on the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine. Options include,

  • Effexor XR (venlafaxine)
  • Cymbalta (duloxetine)
  • Pristiq (desvenlafaxine)

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors MAOIs were originally thought to be the most effective treatment for social anxiety disorder; however, if dietary and medication requirements are not followed, these drugs can have major adverse effects. Options included,

  • Nardil (phenelzine)
  • Parnate (tranylcypromine)
  • Marplan (isocarboxazid)

Beta Blockers

Beta blockers have no negative impact on cognitive abilities, they are effective in circumstances that need mental acuity. Beta blockers are commonly used orally before an anxiety-inducing event, such as a performance, to alleviate anxiety symptoms such as high heart rate, hand tremors, and the “butterflies in the stomach” feeling. Option include,

  • Inderal (propranolol)
  • Tenormin (atenolol)

 

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the first-line therapy for SAD. It’s a type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing one’s beliefs and behaviors in order to have a beneficial impact on one’s emotions.

There are three types of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Exposure
  • Cognitive restructuring
  • Social skill training  

 

Exposure

Exposure can take the form of envisioning or really experiencing a certain performance or social setting. If a patient suffers from significant social anxiety, the therapist may begin with imagined exposures before going on to real-life exposures.

 

Cognitive restructuring

Poor self-esteem, fear of unfavorable evaluation by others, and negative attribution bias are all cognitive symptoms of SAD, therefore cognitive restructuring works on these (attributing positive outcomes to chance and negative outcomes to own shortcomings).

Cognitive restructuring entails a set of activities aimed at identifying negative thoughts, determining how genuine they are, and constructing new concepts to counteract them.

 

Social skill training

Social skills training employs a variety of activities such as modeling, rehearsal, and role-playing to help people learn right conduct and minimize anxiety in social situations. As part of their treatment, some people will not need to learn social skills. These activities are designed for those who suffer from both social anxiety and actual social interaction deficits. Social skills training might help with eye contact, dialogue, assertiveness, and phone calls, among other things.

Conclusion

Social anxiety disorder is known as social phobia, which causes anxiety and fear of outspeaking in the public. The impact of social anxiety disorder on those who suffer from it can be severe. For example, people may decline a job that demands regular interaction with new people or avoid going out to dine with friends because they are concerned their hands may tremble while eating or drinking. Symptoms can be so severe that they disrupt daily routines, occupational performance, and social life, making it difficult to complete school, interview for and acquire a job, and maintain friendships and love connections. Major depressive illness and alcoholism are more common in those with social anxiety disorder.

Benzodiazepines,especially alprazolam (Xanax), are modest tranquilisers that work by slowing down the central nervous system and thereby alleviating anxiety symptoms. Benzodiazepines, although being quick-acting and well-tolerated, have the potential to become addictive. Therefore it is recommended to not share this medicine with symptomatic patients or anyone without prescription. However, Benzodiazepines is considered as the first line of treatment for the Social anxiety disorder (SAD). 

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