Help for Social Anxiety Disorder is Online
People with social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, often try to isolate themselves from their friends and family. They want to form relationships, but they experience crippling fear in social situations. According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA), a nonprofit organization committed to improving the diagnosis, treatment and cure of anxiety disorders, 15 million American adults experience symptoms, like an intense, persistent fear of being negatively judged by others.
Social anxiety disorder proves especially problematic because patients fear routine social interactions and authority figures, like doctors. In severe cases, social anxiety patients cut off all ties with other people.
"Social anxiety disorder can have a profound effect on social interactions that most people take for granted," said ADAA President and CEO Jerilyn Ross, M.A., LICSW. "In extreme cases, the disorder can disrupt social lives to the point that people may have few or no relationships at all, making them feel powerless and alone."
Many treatments for social anxiety disorder exist. For professional football player Ricky Williams, talk therapy and medication helped him overcome anxiety so strong that it prevented interaction with his small daughter. Self-treatment helps other patients. But people with social anxiety disorder need to access resources before they can work to overcome their disorder. To help Americans with
social anxiety disorder, ADAA created a new Web site, www.adaa.org/socialanxietydisorder. People visiting the interactive Web site can send an e-card, take a self-test, find treatment providers and download a brochure.
Social anxiety disorder usually starts in adolescence. Physical symptoms include blushing, profuse sweating, trembling, nausea, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness and headaches.
Visit www.adaa.org for more information.
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