Social anxiety disorder: causes, symptoms, and psychological treatment.
Feeling nervous when speaking in public, meeting new people, or participating in social events is common. However, when this discomfort becomes intense, persistent, and begins to significantly impair a person’s life, it may be a case of social anxiety disorder . This disorder, also known as social phobia, affects millions of people and is often confused with extreme shyness. But the truth is, it goes far beyond that.
In this article, you will understand what social anxiety disorder is, its main causes and symptoms, and how psychology can help in its treatment and in improving quality of life.
What is social anxiety disorder?
Social anxiety disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by an intense and irrational fear of being judged, rejected, or humiliated in social situations. People with this disorder often avoid events, meetings, presentations, and even simple interactions such as talking on the phone or ordering food at a restaurant.
Unlike shyness, which can be overcome with time and practice, social phobia generates significant and constant suffering. In many cases, the person completely avoids certain situations to avoid discomfort, which can compromise relationships, studies, and professional careers.
Causes of social anxiety disorder
The origin of social phobia is usually multifactorial, meaning it involves a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. Below, we highlight the main ones:
1. Genetic factors
Research indicates a genetic predisposition to developing anxiety disorders, including social anxiety. Having family members with a history of anxiety or other mental health disorders increases the chances of developing the problem.
2. Family environment
Overprotective, critical, or neglectful family environments during childhood can contribute to the formation of negative beliefs about oneself and the world. Children who grow up hearing that they are not good enough or that they will be rejected if they make mistakes tend to develop a more anxious outlook on social interactions.
3. Traumatic experiences
Negative experiences in social contexts—such as bullying, rejection, public humiliation, or constant criticism—are also important triggers. These events can generate an intense fear of reliving similar situations in the future.
4. Neurotransmitter dysfunctions
Chemical changes in the brain, especially in serotonin levels, can directly influence the onset of social anxiety. Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter in the control of mood and social behavior.
Most common symptoms
Symptoms of social anxiety disorder can vary from person to person, but generally include:
- Intense fear of social or performance situations (e.g., public speaking, meeting new people, being observed);
- Excessive worry before social events , which can last for days or weeks;
- Avoid social situations whenever possible;
- Physical symptoms , such as excessive sweating, tremors, tachycardia, nausea, shortness of breath, and muscle tension;
- Excessive self-criticism and negative thoughts, such as “I’m going to embarrass myself” or “people are going to laugh at me”;
- Low self-esteem and constant feelings of inadequacy.
It is important to highlight that, in more severe cases, social anxiety can lead to isolation, depression, and even substance abuse as a way of coping with suffering.
Difference between shyness and social anxiety disorder
Many people confuse social anxiety with shyness, but there are important differences between the two. Shyness is a personality trait that involves some discomfort in social situations, but it generally doesn’t significantly interfere with a person’s life.
Social anxiety disorder, on the other hand, is a clinical condition that causes intense distress, limits daily activities, and requires professional intervention. While a shy person may feel embarrassed when presenting and still manage to do so, someone with social phobia may completely freeze up or even avoid the situation.
How can psychology help in treatment?
The good news is that social anxiety disorder is treatable, and psychology plays a central role in this process. Below, we list the main therapeutic approaches used:
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the most recommended approach for treating social anxiety. Through it, the patient learns to identify and modify distorted thoughts and behavioral patterns that fuel the phobia. The psychologist also teaches coping techniques and social skills, helping the person to gradually expose themselves to feared situations.
2. Gradual exposure
An effective strategy within CBT is gradual exposure to anxiety-inducing situations. With guidance from the therapist, the patient confronts their fears step by step, in a safe and controlled environment, until those fears lose their power.
3. Cognitive restructuring
In this technique, the therapist helps the patient question their negative beliefs and replace them with more realistic and functional thoughts. For example, replacing “I’m going to be ridiculed” with “people are more focused on themselves than on me.”
4. Social skills training
People with social phobia often haven’t developed or have lost basic interaction skills, such as holding a conversation, asking questions, or expressing opinions. Training these skills is essential to regaining self-confidence.
5. Psychodynamic psychotherapy
This approach works with the unconscious and the behavioral patterns established in childhood that influence how a person sees themselves and interacts with others. It can be useful for those who wish to understand the emotional origin of anxiety.
And when is medication necessary?
In some cases, especially when anxiety is very intense, medication may be prescribed by a psychiatrist. Antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly used and often show good results, particularly when combined with psychotherapy.
However, medication alone does not definitively solve the problem. It is essential that it be included in a comprehensive therapeutic plan, with regular psychological follow-up.
Practical tips for dealing with social anxiety.
In addition to psychotherapy, some everyday habits can help reduce anxiety:
- Practice breathing and relaxation techniques to manage physical symptoms;
- Set small, realistic goals for social exposure;
- Avoid perfectionism : to err is human;
- Value your achievements , even the small ones;
- Seek emotional support from friends, family, or therapy groups;
- Limit your consumption of caffeine, alcohol, and stimulants , which can worsen symptoms.
Final considerations
Social anxiety disorder is a serious condition that can compromise various aspects of a person’s life. However, with the right support, it is possible to develop social skills, change negative thought patterns, and regain self-confidence. Psychology offers valuable resources to help individuals learn to cope with fear and live a lighter and fuller life.
If you identified with the symptoms described in this article, know that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but of courage. A psychologist can help you take the first step towards overcoming social anxiety.
