social anxiety?

Question

I'm pretty sure I have social anxiety, I could list the symptons but it would just be a waste of time. Should I contact my normal doctor or go to a shrink? Also what would you consider the best medication for this? Thanks

Answer 1

Social anxiety can cause these feelings, which can also lead to severe depression,
http://www.socialanxietyinstitute.org/ds...

if not you could be suffering from Generalized Anxiety
Disorder..http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/general_anx...

There is hope; I've been there, and still am there, it is a long, hard struggle. I recommend
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/cognitive_b... worked best for me, with mild anti-anxiety meds. I suffered from social anxiety for over 15 years. I've tried 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.

I recommend a mild anti-anxiety med in addition to CBT therapy.

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

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Answer 2

Careful here, social anxiety is an often overdiagnosed condition where simple shyness is the only issue. Unless your anxiety is getting to the stage where it's causing serious harm to yourself, such as having thoughts of harming yourself or actual attempts rather than interact in a social environment, seeing your regular GP may have you starting on medications you don't actually need. See a psychiatrist or psychologist.

There is a range of medications, as a general rule you should avoid benzodiazepines (they're all the medications with "am" at the end, such as alprazolam or diazepam) because they're highly addictive and do not work in the medium to long term - i.e. they're fine for 3 days and then either get you hooked or stop working or both. The best medication would be a mild antidepressant such as sertraline or fluoxetine.

Avoid Xanax at all costs.

Answer 3

You should start with your primary care physician and describe your symptoms. There are three medications approved for social anxiety disorder: Paroxetine (Paxil, Paxil CR), Sertraline (Zoloft) and Venlafaxine (Effexor). Sometimes just talk therapy works.

If you don't feel comfortable talking to your doctor, ask for a referral. Psychiatrists can be expensive, but an ARNP (Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner) can also manage medication.

Answer 4

Its something that you will need to gradually ease yourself out of. Take it slow and set realistic goals when you are in a social atmosphere. Depending on how bad it is of course...For example...some people are uncomfortable being in a room of ppl they don't know. Make a challenge for yourself each time you are in a social situation...like talk to someone you don't know...or even just entering the room may be a big step. Good Luck! :)

Answer 5

hi i have social anxiety too amongst other things been put on citalopram for depression and anxiety and also beta blocker propranalol there helping me a bit dont know if ur in the uk or the states but best bet is see your doctor it takes a few weeks for them to kick in (medication wise) its a bit trial and error mine dont seem to help so much but really varys from person to person and ps . dont turn to alcohol like me only makes it worse good luck hun wish u the best x


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