People with thisanxiety disorderexperience intense discomfort in social situations.
They’re extremely afraid of being judged, rejected, or feeling humiliated by others.
Prescription medications and psychotherapy, alone or together, are recommended for treating SAD.
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Lifestyle changes may help with management, as well.
Studies have shown that these two approaches together can improve long-term outcomes in people with SAD.
Medication Safety
Medication should be placed in a secure area where only you might access it.
If the side effects are severe, call 911 and go to the nearest hospital right away.
When serotonin levels are low, people may experience symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Norepinephrine is important for attention and other cognitive functions, energy, and mood.
A review identified five large placebo-controlled trials that support the efficacy of venlafaxine, an SNRI, for SAD.
You should also contact your prescriber, as abruptly stopping a medication like duloxetinecan be dangerous.
MAOIs stop the breakdown of these neurotransmitters and therefore increase their levels.
They are commonly prescribed in cases where other treatments have failed.
Their use also requires following dietary guidelines.
Your mental health provider will reevaluate your anxiety management plan.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepinestarget the neurotransmitterGABAto increase its effects in the brain.
GABA has an inhibitory function, and it suppresses signals that are traveling down a neural pathway.
These medications can be used on an as-needed basis by people with social anxiety.
They are usually taken at least half an hour before encountering a situation that triggers anxiety.
You should never stop an antianxiety medication on your own.
Beta-Blockers
SAD, as well as other types of anxiety, causes emotional and physiological symptoms.
Since the body feels it’s in a threatening situation, it will go into fight-or-flight mode.
This means that all resources in your body are made ready to run away or fight for survival.
Most SSRIs, SNRIs, and MOAIs are taken orally once or twice daily.
However, benzodiazepines and beta-blockers may be prescribed to be taken as needed.
Your medication will be most effective if taken in the same manner as recommended.
Psychotherapy
Nonpharmacological approaches to SAD are also very important in helping people to better manage their symptoms.
The punch in of psychotherapy commonly used to treat this anxiety disorder is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
Your therapist will then help you identify ways to manage your fear.
This exposure may be virtual or in person.
This may help reduce the impact and frequency of negative thoughts.
It uses role-playing and other techniques to improve your ability to interact and socialize with other people.
Tell your healthcare provider before starting other treatments or supplements.
Lifestyle Changes
Managing SAD requires commitment to treatment.
It’s also important to follow a healthy lifestyle.
Anxiety symptoms can be triggered or worsened by certain lifestyle choices.
SAD affects the body and brain, and its important to keep both as healthy as possible.
A Word From Verywell
Starting a new social anxiety disorder treatment can feel very overwhelming.
Be sure to raise any questions you might have with your healthcare provider.
Your provider will work to continue evolving your symptom management plan to find the right treatment for you.
National Institute of Mental Health.Social Anxiety Disorder: More than just shyness.
Carhart-Harris RL, Nutt DJ.Serotonin and brain function: a tale of two receptors.J Psychopharmacol.
2017;10(10):CD001206.
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American Academy of Family Physicians.Addiction: Part I. BenzodiazepinesSide Effects, Abuse Risk and Alternatives.
2018 Sep 20;8(3):88-96. doi:10.5498/wjp.v8.i3.88
