Social Phobia

SOCIAL PHOBIA

One of the most common disorders today!

Do You Experience These Symptoms?

• Do you think everyone is looking at you when you enter a room?
• Are you afraid of forming a wrong sentence?
• Are you worried that others will laugh at or mock your behavior?
• Does being in public make you 'sweat'?

If you think you're experiencing these and similar symptoms, you may have social phobia.

What is Social Phobia?

Today, phobias are among the most common psychiatric disorders. Social phobia usually begins in adolescence and is more common in women than men. People with social phobia experience such intense fear of being ridiculed, humiliated, or judged by others that they try to avoid any environment that could lead to this and may disrupt their daily lives.

Causes of Social Phobia

• Parents being overly protective towards their children
• Family being rejecting and lacking emotion
• Person having inherently inhibited and shy personality traits
• Inadequate economic status
• Low education level
• Some imbalances in brain chemistry (serotonin)

How Do People with Social Phobia Behave?

Individuals with social phobia are afraid of being in front of crowds, speaking, eating, or performing an action. They constantly worry about behaving in an embarrassing manner.

Physical Symptoms:

• Blushing
• Sweating
• Trembling
• Palpitations
• Dry mouth
• Shortness of breath
• Muscle tension
• Gastrointestinal discomfort

Treatment of Social Phobia

Social phobia is treated with a combination of psychotherapy and medication. The most effective psychotherapy method for social phobia is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. No matter how difficult it seems, you should not avoid social situations that cause anxiety. As you face these situations, your ability to cope with them will improve. However, it should not be forgotten that support from an expert is necessary.

Exp.Psy.Damla KANKAYA