Social Anxiety Disorder, also known as social phobia, is characterized by an intense fear of judgment, embarrassment, or humiliation in social situations. This disorder can significantly impact personal and professional life, making it crucial to seek treatment from a mental health professional.
Social Anxiety Disorder Online psychiatrist in VA, MD, and Washington, DC
Understanding Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment
Social Anxiety Disorder involves severe fear and anxiety related to social interactions such as conversations, meeting new people, or performing publicly. Individuals with this disorder dread being negatively perceived by others, fearing embarrassment, humiliation, or rejection.
They worry about being judged in public, causing anxiety before, during, and after social events. This often leads to avoiding certain social settings or enduring them with intense anxiety, significantly affecting daily life.
It's important to distinguish social anxiety disorder from shyness. Shyness may involve feeling awkward or having inhibited behavior around others, a trait seen in individuals with social anxiety disorder.
However, being shy doesn't necessarily mean experiencing the excessive fear and distress related to social situations seen in social anxiety disorder. In this disorder, the fear and anxiety surpass what is appropriate for the situation, causing notable impairment and distress in a person's life.
Social Anxiety Disorder Symptoms
The primary symptom of social anxiety disorder is an excessive, unfounded fear of various social scenarios. Individuals with this disorder often struggle with:
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Excessive self-consciousness and worry about others' perceptions.
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Avoidance of specific social settings, such as public eating or speaking with strangers.
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Intense fear and anxiety during social activities, often accompanied by physical symptoms.
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Dwelling on negative aspects of social interactions after they occur.
Social Anxiety Disorder diagnosed?
At Vitira Mental Health, diagnosing social anxiety disorder involves a comprehensive clinical evaluation by our skilled mental health professionals. Your dedicated provider will have an in-depth conversation with you about your experiences in social settings, assess your symptoms, and determine whether you meet the diagnostic criteria for this condition.
These criteria include:
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Persistent and profound fear or anxiety related to specific social situations, driven by the fear of embarrassment or humiliation.
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Avoidance of social circumstances that induce intense anxiety or fear.
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Excessive anxiety that is disproportionately intense compared to the situation at hand.
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Anxiety of such severity that it disrupts daily life, including work or school.
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Fear or anxiety that cannot be better explained by a medical condition or substance use.
If you suspect that you or a loved one may be grappling with social anxiety disorder, the initial and most crucial step is to engage with a mental health professional. They can help you understand your symptoms, provide an accurate diagnosis, and assist you in discovering suitable treatment options.
Access Convenient Online Mental Health Therapy and Psychiatric Evaluations in VA, MD, and Washington, DC
At Vitira Mental Health, we provide compassionate mental health services through our Telehealth platform. Access therapy and support from the comfort of your home, with flexible scheduling and strict confidentiality.
Our licensed therapists are dedicated to helping you with anxiety, depression, stress, and other mental health concerns. Experience the convenience, privacy, and expert care of Telehealth with personalized treatment plans designed just for you.
Start your journey to better mental health with Vitira Mental Health today.