Can Social Fobia/Anxiety be cured? How?

Answer 1

Yes, I believe it can. Read "Don't Panic" by Dr. Reid Wilson and "I'm Ok, You're Ok" by Dr. Thomas Harris. You'll learn a little bit about cognitive psychology and how it can be a tremendous help. Good luck and take care...

Answer 2

He's suffering from sever anxiety. Possibly panic attacks. Whenever he's in a new situation they happen. He's able to cope at work because he's used to the surroundings. But if there's a new element added. Let's say a new boss or co-worker. This could set him off. Let me guess. He likes to eat lunch by himself. He should seek a doctors advice. One of they symptoms of this problem is the person can't get help for themselves. They don't know how. They even think they might be crazy. He just might need some medication. Don't take the words "Panic Attack" so literal. You can't see them doing anything other than being nervous or withdrawn. They'll appear totally normal at times but on the inside fighting it. He needs help because it can very easily get worse. Some people get so bad they can't leave there homes. Some people stay inside for years. Don't answer the phone. Sneak out at night to get the mail. Have groceries delivered. It's not a joke. It's tricky though. What can you do for him? You can't just come out and say it. You said you've known him for years. I know there's a national anxiety day. Where people can get free testing done. It's not until March? I'm not sure of the date. Just do a search. Your best bet is to read up on anxiety and educate yourself before trying to help him. K I'm done writing a book here. Good luck! .

Answer 3

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_behavioral_therapy worked best for me. I suffered from social anxiety for over 15 years. I've tried meds, individual therapy, and group therapy and studied psychology for 10 years, as a profession, but also with the hope to cure myself.

Depending on your comfort level, you could go to a psychologist that practices CBT and specializes in anxiety disorders, seek a group therapy, or create one. Usually those that do attend the group therapy are a bit more high functioning because as you know, it can be difficult to speak in a group.

Another idea is to see if there are any local research studies being conducted that you could participate in.

The program that finally worked the best for me is this one: http://www.socialanxiety.us/findinghelp.... and I was lucky enough to have a structured behavioral group to go along with it. Sometimes the people that actually attend this program come back home and form groups.

Any questions, let me know ... I can't tell you how much this has improved my life!

Answer 4

Social anxiety is very treatable.
Here are some options:
Behavior Therapy
The goal of Behavior Therapy is to modify and gain control over unwanted behavior. The individual learns to cope with difficult situations, often through controlled exposure to them. This kind of therapy gives the individual a sense of having control over their life.

Cognitive Therapy
The goal of Cognitive Therapy is to change unproductive or harmful thought patterns. The individual examines his feelings and learns to separate realistic from unrealistic thoughts. As with Behavior Therapy, the individual is actively involved in his own recovery and has a sense of control.

Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT)
Many therapists use a combination of Cognitive and Behavior Therapies, this is often referred to as CBT. One of the benefits of these types therapies is that the patient learns recovery skills that are useful for a lifetime.

Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation Techniques help individuals develop the ability to more effectively cope with the stresses that contribute to anxiety, as well as with some of the physical symptoms of anxiety. The techniques taught include breathing re-training and exercise.

Medication
Medication can be very useful in the treatment of anxiety disorders, and it is often used in conjunction with one or more of the therapies mentioned above. Sometimes anti-depressants or anxiolytics (anti-anxiety medications) are used to alleviate severe symptoms so that other forms of therapy can go forward. Medication is effective for many people and can be either a short-term or long-term treatment option, depending on the individual.

Answer 5

Cognative-behavioral therapy has been shown in many cases to be even more effective than medication.

Answer 6

i hope so ,i am having acupuncture and am on antidepressants. I am hoping to soon have some therapy, cognitive therapy is supposed to be really good. good luck.