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Treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety disorder is treatable through psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and medications like SSRIs and SNRIs help manage symptoms, promoting gradual improvement and wellness.

  • 11 Oct 2024
  • 3 min read
  • 38 views

If anyone close to you is exhibiting symptoms of social anxiety disorder, discussing it with a healthcare provider is always advisable. After examining the person's history, the professional will conduct a physical examination to ascertain the actual cause of the symptoms. Sometimes, they may refer the patient to a specialist, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or clinical social worker. These professionals could provide the best diagnosis and treatment for social anxiety disorder.

No doubt, professionals may sometimes deploy mixed treatments, such as psychotherapy, medication, or both, to address this disorder.

What are the Treatments for Social Anxiety Disorder?

Treatment for social anxiety disorder includes:

  • Psychotherapy: Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is the most common research-supported type of therapy available to treat social anxiety disorder. CBT teaches the patient different ways of thinking, behaving, and reacting to any given situation, lessening anxiety and fear. The patient also receives help in learning and practicing social skills.

Exposure therapy is sometimes adopted, where the patient receives gradual assistance to face social situations rather than avoiding them.

  • Medication: Several medications are available to treat this disorder. They include § Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) - This medication is an anti-depressant; the common ones are fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, citalopram, and escitalopram.
    • Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) - This is an anti-depressant, the most common being Venlafaxine or duloxetine.
    • Benzodiazepines - These medications are recommended for short-term use. Common examples of this medication include Lorazepam or alprazolam.
    • Beta-blockers- Sometimes, professionals recommend beta blockers as the treatment to prevent or treat physical symptoms of social anxiety disorder, including rapid heart rate. A typical example of a beta blocker is propranolol.

Your healthcare provider may initially recommend a low dose of medication to minimise the side effects. The shift to a complete dose prescription happens over time to ensure that the symptoms show notable improvement.

The effect of dosage and the type of medication may take time to show results as they differ between individuals. However, starting the treatment for the disorder indicates that you are getting closer to wellness.

Conclusion

Counselling therapy, lifestyle alteration, and medication, singularly or collectively, help people cope with social anxiety disorder. However, if the complications get severe, you should not delay seeking proper treatment from experts.

Social anxiety disorder, besides spawning feelings of fearfulness and anxiousness in social situations, calls upon your financial side, too. A life and health insurance plan provides a safety shield that protects you from emergency medical expenses. So, avail the best available treatment without breaking your bank balance.

Also read:

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.

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