Social Anxiety

More than 12% of individuals experience social anxiety during their lifetime. If you struggle in social situations, turn to My Psych Today in Katy, Texas. Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Alaa Mhsen, PMHNP, offers coping mechanisms that make social interactions simpler and more enjoyable. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.

What is social anxiety disorder?

Social anxiety disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme anxiety in (or avoidance of) social situations. While it’s normal to be nervous about some social events, social anxiety disorder negatively affects your quality of life, including your relationships, job, or schooling. Treatment helps you combat your body’s negative reactions to social situations.

What are the symptoms of social anxiety disorder?

Social anxiety disorder is characterized by:

• Extreme anxiety in social situations
• Self-consciousness or embarrassment around other people
• Fear of being judged negatively or scrutinized by others
• Fear and anxiety in social situations
• Avoiding work, school, or social activities because of anxiety
• Constant worry about embarrassing yourself
• Fear of other people noticing your anxiousness
• Blushing
• Sweating
• Shaky voice
• Trembling
• Fast heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Panic attacks
• Upset stomach
• Avoiding talking in front of people
• Avoiding activities that place you in the center of attention
• Analyzing your social performances and fixating on flaws 
• Expecting the worst-case-scenario in social situations
• Children crying or having temper tantrums during social activities
• Children who cling to their parents or don’t speak in social situations

This disorder can negatively affect your quality of life by causing distress or avoidance of important situations. Symptoms may change over time and worsen during periods of stress or life changes.

What are the risk factors for social anxiety disorder?

While the cause isn’t clear, social anxiety risk factors may include:

• Specific brain structure (overactive amygdala)
• Family history of social anxiety disorder
• Learned behaviors
• Having anxious, controlling, or overprotective parents
• Getting bullied or other negative childhood experiences
• Shy or timid personality
• Unusual physical appearance or traits that draw attention 
• Substance misuse

Symptoms of social anxiety often begin in the teenage years, but they might be apparent during childhood. Complications may include difficulty being assertive, low self-esteem, social isolation, and poor social skills. This can affect schooling, jobs, and the overall quality of life.

Seeking treatment at My Psych Today helps minimize symptoms, allowing you to overcome social challenges.

How is social anxiety disorder diagnosed?

Alaa diagnoses social anxiety disorder by discussing your medical history and completing a psychiatric assessment. He asks about your emotions, behaviors, thoughts, and moods related to social situations and customizes a treatment plan. 

How is social anxiety disorder treated?

Treatment for social anxiety disorder often consists of medication management, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), other therapies, and making healthy lifestyle adjustments. Alaa teaches you ways to combat negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in social situations. 

It’s also helpful to practice stress-reduction strategies (yoga, meditation, tai chi, mindfulness, massage, etc.), eat nutritious foods, stay active, get plenty of sleep, and avoid drugs and alcohol. 

Schedule a social anxiety evaluation with Alaa at My Psych Today by calling the office or requesting a visit online.