http://www.spiritual.com.au/articles/healing/social-anxiety-disorder-group.html
spiritual.com.au
Dr. Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, Ph.D, ND, DACBN

What Is Social Anxiety Disorder?
We all experience social situations where we may feel fear and apprehension. It’s absolutely normal to feel nervous about speaking in front of a large group, or even in front of a small group. And many of us feel shy or awkward when placed in unfamiliar social circumstances. However, for some people, these mildly nerve-wracking moments become debilitating episodes, resulting in extreme anxiety, panic attacks, or even avoidance of the event. In these cases, the anxiety is so overwhelming that it can interfere with the normal functioning of one’s life. People who suffer from a debilitating level of anxiety in social situations are said to suffer from social anxiety disorder.

Social anxiety disorder is the third largest mental health care issue in the world. In the US, it affects roughly seven percent of the population at any given time. Social anxiety disorder may be triggered by such events as meeting new people, public speaking, being observed while performing a task, being the center of attention, or being teased or criticized. This illness is equally common in both men and women. People who suffer from social anxiety disorder are terrified of being ridiculed or causing themselves embarrassment. Physical symptoms associated with this disorder include heart palpitations, faintness, blushing and profuse sweating. These symptoms often lead the sufferer to avoid social situations.

Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder
The symptoms of social anxiety disorder include heart palpitations, shaking, profuse sweating, diarrhea, confusion, nausea, stuttering, and blushing. Blushing is a common reaction for many people when they are startled or embarrassed. But for people who suffer from social anxiety disorder, blushing is a further source of humiliation. This condition is also linked to low self-esteem, as people who suffer from it tend to be very sensitive to criticism and rejection and have difficulty asserting themselves.

Anxiety is a normal physical reaction to stress. However, a person with social anxiety disorder generally experiences chronic and recurrent episodes of anxiety whenever a social situation arises. In most cases, the sufferer is well aware of the intensity and over reaction of his or her symptoms, and feels that others will ridicule or judge her because of them. This only makes them more terrified of the social occasion. Most people who suffer from social anxiety disorder will go to extremes to avoid social situations.

Do I Have Social Anxiety Disorder?
The most common fears associated with social anxiety disorder include the fear of public speaking, the fear of meeting new people, and the fear of talking to strangers. People who suffer from social anxiety disorder may feel anxiety when performing in social settings, such as eating or drinking in public. Sufferers may fear more than one type of social setting. Here are a few questions to ask yourself if you think you may suffer from social anxiety disorder:

1. Do you avoid doing things with other people because you are afraid of embarrassing yourself or people judging you?
2. Are you terrified of being the center of attention?
3. Do you avoid or become anxious in social situations where you may have to meet and/or speak with strangers?

What Can I Do About Social Anxiety Disorder?
Its so difficult for a person with social anxiety disorder to reach out for help, but even making a small effort, like reaching out to a trusted friend or family member can start you on the road to recovery. Next follow these steps to help you reclaim your life:

Learn everything you can about social anxiety disorder. There is a ton of information in the library and online to help you better understand your symptoms and the situations that trigger anxiety. The more you know about the condition, the more you will be able to understand and control your symptoms.

Don’t be discouraged. Some people may try to tell you to get over it and get on with your life. But social anxiety disorder is not something you can just put behind you. It will take effort and persistence on your part to make progress.

Consider joining a support group for people with social anxiety disorders. It may be difficult to envision yourself in this social situation but you will gain positive enforcement and support from other people who are experiencing the same feelings that you are.

Treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder
Therapy: Behavior therapy may help sufferers learn to control their anxiety in social situations and reduce their anxiety that leads up to a frightening event. This type of therapy is very effective in alleviating the symptoms of social anxiety disorder although it is quite time consuming and requires significant effort from the patient.

http://www.psychotherapybrownbag.com/psychotherapy_brown_bag_a/2009/03/cognitive-behavioral-group-therapy-for-social-anxiety-disorder.html
psychotherapybrownbag.com
By Lora Rose Hunter

Most people can remember a time when they were concerned about what other people were thinking. Whether it was a private meeting with an overbearing boss or speaking to strangers in the grocery store, chances are your fearful thoughts were accompanied by things like sweaty palms, shaky knees, and trouble concentrating. Sometimes you may have even considered avoiding the situation altogether! When social concerns or shyness contribute to enough impairment and distress, an individual may meet criteria for a syndrome called social anxiety disorder (American Psychiatric Association, 2000).

Social anxiety disorder (previously called social phobia) is a chronic, debilitating condition with an early age of onset (e.g., American Psychiatric Association, 1994, 2000; Andrews et al., 2001; Brown et al., 1995; Schneier et al., 1994). Moreover, the diagnosis is associated with comorbid depression and problematic substance use (Kessler et al., 1997, 1999; Grant et al., 2005; Schneier et al., 2002). Fortunately, for the millions of individuals suffering from social anxiety disorder (approximately 12% of the population; Kessler, et al., 2005), there is ample reason to be hopeful. Numerous studies have demonstrated cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for social anxiety disorder is highly effective (e.g., Clark et al., 2003; Gould et al., 1997; Hofmann & Smits, 2008; McEvoy, 2007; Rodebaugh et al., 2004; Taylor, 1996).

CBT is a well-established form of psychotherapy based on the work of Aaron Beck (see Beck & Emery, 1985). From Dr. Beck’s ideas, many successful psychotherapy interventions for depression and anxiety have been developed. As applied by Richard Heimberg and colleagues, CBT for social anxiety disorder typically includes three main components: 1) cognitive restructuring, or logically challenging the content of fears; 2) systematic-graduated exposure, using behavioral exercises to short-circuit avoidance and facilitate a process for safely “facing” fears; and 3) homework assignments, planned activities that allow clients to practice their skills (Heimberg & Becker, 2002; Hope et al., 2000). These components are included in individual CBT and cognitive-behavioral group therapy (CBGT) for social anxiety disorder, which is equally effective (e.g., Clark et al., 2003; Heimberg, 2001).

I know what you’re probably thinking… Why would someone with social concerns consider group therapy? Isn’t that like asking someone who’s afraid of germs to meet you every week at the city dump? As it turns out, CBGT for social anxiety disorder may offer some important therapeutic advantages over individual CBT. For example, many people with social anxiety disorder have convinced themselves that they are the only one with such an impairing fear of embarrassment. This belief can provoke feelings of hopelessness, isolation, and even shame. Meeting others with similar concerns can help to mitigate the negative emotions associated with feeling like the only one. Group members can also learn new ways of understanding their thoughts and experiences by observing other group members’ approaches to cognitive restructuring and exposure. Additionally, because people diagnosed with social anxiety disorder tend to have an extended history of avoiding social interactions, they probably only practice important social skills on rare occasions. Group therapy allows for ample opportunity to practice social skills in a truly social environment. Finally, working together as a team may provide additional motivation to complete homework assignments and attend sessions.

Wouldn’t people use social skills, make new friends, and feel motivated to contribute to any number of groups, including book clubs, softball teams, and Bible study? Yes! Are these groups also likely to successfully reduce social anxiety? No! Remember, the active ingredients in CBGT for social anxiety disorder are cognitive-restructuring and systematic-graduated exposure. The added benefits of the group format are only beneficial to the extent that they facilitate engagement in the components that really reduce anxiety.

CBGT for social anxiety disorder typically consists of 12 to 20 weekly sessions (ranging in duration from one hour to two and a half hours for bigger groups; see Heimberg & Becker, 2002). Groups are composed of five to nine clients and one or two therapists. Because the group format offers important logistical advantages over individual treatment, some have even called it “the treatment of choice” for social anxiety disorder (e.g., Heimberg, 2001; McEvoy, 2007). The cost of each group treatment session is usually a fraction of the cost of each session in individual therapy (Let’s face it, most people are not exactly eager to spend $150 per session on their mental health in the current economic climate!). The fact that CBGT lasts only three to four months magnifies the overall savings associated with group treatment compared to individual. In addition, it can sometimes be difficult to find an individual therapist offering CBT and accepting new clients. Groups allow a therapist to treat multiple individuals in the same amount of time. New groups begin several times a year and may be more likely to have space, another logistical reason to consider CBGT.

Naturally, these same factors could conceivably limit access to CBGT for social anxiety disorder as well. For example, because groups start at specific times during the year and clients are almost always required to be on board from the beginning, some folks have to wait weeks or months for therapy to start. Likewise, groups last a finite amount of time (12 to 20 weeks)… whether or not individuals feel ready to be finished. And most notably, there is evidence that CBT in general is not broadly disseminated to the majority of mental health providers (e.g., hospitals, private practices, inpatient facilities), beyond academic settings (e.g., McManus et al., 2008). If you’re seeking CBGT for social anxiety disorder and you live near a major research university with a clinical psychology doctoral training program and an associated outpatient training clinic… lucky you! In these settings, highly supervised doctoral graduate students usually offer CBT at dramatically reduced costs. Depending on where you live, there may also be community therapists offering CBT and, more rarely CBGT in private practice, although this option usually costs more.

Perhaps the greatest barrier preventing impaired and distressed folks from getting CBGT is that it seems so counterintuitive. Sometimes the idea provokes a visceral response akin to, “Are you kidding me!?” Actually, no… Decades of research hardly kid. Unfortunately, most people nowadays believe either a chemical imbalance causes emotional problems and medications are the only solution, or psychotherapy is a self-indulgent, unstructured process that inevitably involves conversation about early childhood (Truly, psychotherapeutic interventions have failed to compete for the hearts and minds of the American public!). To ameliorate the concerns of would-be group members, clinicians and those attempting to convince a socially anxious loved one to seek treatment should consider offering information about 1) the noninvasive components of CBGT, 2) the time and cost effectiveness of group formats, and 3) the potential for added therapeutic benefits. Remind reluctant, “just shy” friends, family, and clients that, as with any challenge (e.g., weight loss, quitting smoking, running a marathon), an investment in some discomfort is required in order to experience tremendous rewards in the long run. Of course, if all else fails, flaunt the brevity of the commitment relative to the distress of a life hindered by social anxiety disorder. What do you have to lose? You may as well try it…

http://www.ideamarketers.com/?Social_Anxiety_Disorder_Symptoms&articleid=742487
ideamarketers.com
by Dillon Hideki

Social anxiety disorder symptoms may not always be the most apparent thing to those of us that may be suffering from it. It may also be called social phobia. Basically when we find ourselves present in socially oriented situations, they tend to produce massive amounts of anxiety and may lead to anxiety or panic attacks. Symptoms include sweating, extremely nervous, racing heart beat, shallow breaths and others.

There are a few signs that are helpful to know about. Being consciously aware of these signs could help us overcome them eventually and also partially reduce some of the stress received. Here are three of the signs to know about.

The first one may be one of the obvious ones, but it has to do with directly avoiding any type of social events. Family or Friends (usually very few if any that we may have) may invite us to an event of some sort. When they do, we tend to make up any sort of excuse under the sun to avoid going. Whether true or not, we just plain out try to avoid it.

Secondly, if we do end up at some sort of event we isolate ourselves. Out of fear of having any sort of attention drawn to us, we locate an area with the least amount of people, or none if possible! The anxiety starts creeping in slowly and hopes that no one will spot us or talk to us are not uncommon.

The third thing on this list is cutting anything related to a conversation as soon as possible and escaping. Although we may try to isolate ourselves the best we can, there may be a person or two that may wander by and talk to us. The moment they start talking to us, our mind begins to race with any thoughts on an exit for the conversation. We may come up with an excuse, or something we need to do and change areas.

This may sometimes go across to the other person as rude or abrupt at times. If you notice these signs occurring try to take small steps and socialize even a tiny bit more than you used to.

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/symptoms-social-anxiety-disorder.html
buzzle.com
By Beth Kaminski

Person with social anxiety disorder exhibits the characteristics of avoidance or endurance of social situations because fear of embarrassment, humiliation, negative self-evaluation and judgment in that person causes such intense anxiety and tension that he or she experiences difficulties in dealing with these situations at all. Social anxiety disorder, which is often confused with the normal shy disposition, exceeds this nature to extent where this kind of social avoidance adversely affects the social functioning and triggers significant impairment. The anxiety brought about by the disorder can be triggered by any feared activities which encompass most of any kinds of social interaction activities such as parties, speech, interview, talking to strangers, group discussions and so forth. The persons fear of exposure to possible scrutiny by others or that he or she may act in a way that he or she finds him or herself in a humiliating and embarrassing situation has often found everyday tasks that most people take for granted as a wearing ordeal that crosses over their comfort zone.

The concept of Social Anxiety Disorder may be fairly new category of anxiety disorders to many of you because it has not been the highlights of research by the league of medical professionals until recent times. In fact, social anxiety or phobia is common and affects at least one out of eight people at some stages in their lives and represents the third largest mental health problem in the world. Medications that are specific for treating social anxiety are accessible in over-the-counter pharmacies, hospitals and medical institutions in light of the development and improvements in clinical and medical research. Other general anti-anxiety drugs have also proven to work well for social anxiety as these drugs generally serve to relieve different kinds of anxiety disorders.

With plenty of variety of medications available to treat social anxiety disorder, it is imperative that your complaints represent those of the disorder by critically evaluating the symptoms described below. It is useful to gain an understanding of the difference between anxiety that is normal and facilitative; and anxiety that is debilitative and counterproductive before you jump start on any treatment course.

The emotional apprehension of people suffering from social anxiety disorder is very distorting and significant to their lives in that it affects their ability to concentrate on daily routines or even stirs up a fear of madness or losing their minds, insomnia and excessive anxiety. It follows that these people will also experience physical symptoms that include shortness of breath, stomach ache, muscle twitches, excessive sweating and fast heartbeat. Due to the heightened feeling of fear and embarrassment that elicit anxiety and distress at the extreme end of the continuum, these symptoms greatly indicate that social anxiety disorder has resulted.

Social anxiety disorder is medically treatable with the advances and improvement in medicines and treatments through continuous research and development. At the early stage of the disorder, it is critical to receive the appropriate medical intervention by drug-based medication or non-drug based medication or combination of both because they have demonstrated success in treating social anxiety effectively. Alternative medicines have also recently grown in popularity, of which therapy is often used widely for healing social anxiety. There are no clear guidelines on the best course of treatment; therefore, you are able to ensure that you receive the appropriate combination of treatments by consulting with a professional health-care center.

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/social-phobia-social-anxiety-disorder/index.shtml
nimh.nih.gov

Anxiety Disorders

People with anxiety disorders feel extremely fearful and unsure. Most people feel anxious about something for a short time now and again, but people with anxiety disorders feel this way most of the time. Their fears and worries make it hard for them to do everyday tasks. About 18% of American adults have anxiety disorders. Children also may have them.

Treatment is available for people with anxiety disorders. Researchers are also looking for new treatments that will help relieve symptoms.

This booklet is about one kind of anxiety disorder called social phobia. Some people also call it social anxiety disorder. For information about other kinds of anxiety disorders, please see the end of this booklet.
Social Phobia

Social phobia is a strong fear of being judged by others and of being embarrassed. This fear can be so strong that it gets in the way of going to work or school or doing other everyday things.

People with social phobia are afraid of doing common things in front of other people; for example, they might be afraid to sign a check in front of a cashier at the grocery store, or they might be afraid to eat or drink in front of other people. All of us have been a little bit nervous, at one time or another, about things like meeting new people or giving a speech. But people with social phobia worry about these and other things for weeks before they happen.

Most of the people who have social phobia know that they shouldn’t be as afraid as they are, but they can’t control their fear. Sometimes, they end up staying away from places or events where they think they might have to do something that will embarrass them. That can keep them from doing the everyday tasks of living and from enjoying times with family and friends.
This is a list of common symptoms. People with social phobia:

* are very anxious about being with other people.
* are very self-conscious in front of other people; that is, they are very worried about how they themselves will act.
* are very afraid of being embarrassed in front of other people.
* are very afraid that other people will judge them.
* worry for days or weeks before an event where other people will be.
* stay away from places where there are other people.
* have a hard time making friends and keeping friends.
* may have body symptoms when they are with other people, such as:
o blushing,
o heavy sweating,
o trembling,
o nausea, and
o having a hard time talking.

When does social phobia start?

Social phobia usually starts during the child or teen years, usually at about age 13. A doctor can tell that a person has social phobia if the person has had symptoms for at least six months. Without treatment, social phobia can last for many years or a lifetime.
Is there help?

There is help for people with social phobia. The first step is to go to a doctor or health clinic to talk about symptoms. People who think they have social phobia may want to bring this booklet to the doctor to help them talk about the symptoms in it. The doctor will do an exam to make sure that another physical problem isn’t causing the symptoms. The doctor may make a referral to a mental health specialist.

Doctors may prescribe medication to help relieve social phobia. It’s important to know that some of these medicines may take a few weeks to start working. In most states only a medical doctor (a family doctor or psychiatrist) can prescribe medications.

The kinds of medicines used to treat social phobia are listed below. Some of these medicines are used to treat other problems, such as depression, but also are helpful for social phobia:

* antidepressants,
* anti-anxiety medicines, and
* beta blockers.

Doctors also may ask people with social phobia to go to therapy with a licensed social worker, psychologist, or psychiatrist. This treatment can help people with social phobia feel less anxious and fearful.

There is no cure for social phobia yet, but treatments can give relief to people who have it and help them live a more normal life. If you know someone with signs of social phobia, talk to him or her about seeing a doctor. Offer to go along for support. To find out more about social phobia, call 1-866-615- NIMH (1-866-615-6464) to have free information mailed to you.
Who pays for treatment?

Most insurance plans cover treatment for anxiety disorders. People who are going to have treatment should check with their own insurance companies to find out about coverage. For people who don’t have insurance, local city or county governments may offer treatment at a clinic or health center, where the cost is based on income. Medicaid plans also may pay for social phobia treatment.
Why do people get social phobia?

Social phobia sometimes runs in families, but no one knows for sure why some people have it, while others don’t. When chemicals in the brain are not at a certain level it can cause a person to have social phobia. That is why medications often help with the symptoms because they help the brain chemicals stay at the correct levels.

To improve treatment, scientists are studying how well different medicines and therapies work. In one kind of research, people with social phobia choose to take part in a clinical trial to help doctors find out what treatments work best for most people, or what works best for different symptoms. Usually, the treatment is free. Scientists are learning more about how the brain works, so that they can discover new treatments.