SAD (Social Anxiety Disorder)
Social Anxiety Disorder
or social phobia is a type of anxiety disorder, in which individuals have a heightened fear and/or anxiety around social situations where they may be negatively criticized or watched.
Possible situations where social anxiety can be triggered are:
Going on a first date
Meeting new people and/or socializing in new social circles
Performing in front of strangers (e.g. singing, dancing, etc.)
Interviewing for a new job and/or first day on a job
Attending support groups for therapy
Individuals experiencing an attack of social anxiety may feel as if they’ll be labeled as anxious, intimidating, or unlikable by their peers or the current social situation they’re in.
These feelings are sometimes accommodated by physical symptoms, such as: blushing, trembling, sweating, and forgetting words to say. Often, individuals experiencing social phobias tend to avoid the social situations that are a trigger for their SAD.
Demographics of Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
In the United States, SAD or social phobia is prevalent amongst 7% of the population in any 12-month period. Interestingly enough, the 12-month prevalence rate of SAD or social phobia in children/adolescents is comparable to the rates seen in adults. In addition, social anxiety disorder is prevalent among females more than males. Females with SAD and/or social phobias report a higher number of other social fears and may exhibit co-morbid depression and bipolar disorders. Furthermore, adults are shown to present social anxiety symptoms and behaviors across a broad range of social situations versus adolescents present social phobia symptoms in specific social situations. Individuals living with SAD may exhibit the following patterns: dropping out of school or employment, a decreased well-being and socioeconomic status, and being single or divorced. Nevertheless, diagnosis, followed by treatment, of a social anxiety disorder is pertinent for individuals to live a healthy lifestyle.
Treatment of GAD with KOR Results
At KOR Results, we use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to challenge negative automatic thoughts, Exposure Therapy (ET) to assist new learning around anxious social situation and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) to embrace whatever experience you are having, even when it seems difficult.
A pertinent part of this treatment is to learn that self-judgment and jumping to automatic negative conclusions, such as "everyone will hate me" are not facts. These are your mind's way to protect you from possible perceived threats in a social situation.
Some people with social phobia/ anxiety chose to take medication. At KOR Results, we collaborate with your medical provider to ensure that we deliver the best service & not inadvertently encourage you to use safety seeking behaviors, such as medication. Our mission is to take advantage of neuroplasticity and assist you in re-wiring the brain during social situations.