|
What Causes Social Anxiety Disorder?Although no one has discovered a single cause of social anxiety disorder, studies suggest that both biological and psychological factors may play a role. One theory is that social anxiety disorder may be related to an imbalance of a chemical called serotonin (ser-o-to'nin) that transports signals between nerve cells in the brain. Interestingly, this is the same chemical imbalance linked to other mood and anxiety disorders. Another theory is that social anxiety disorder may run in families-especially among close relatives like parents and their children. Or it may stem from an embarrassing social event in the past. It's important to know that the anxiety you may feel in social situations is not necessarily "just the way you are." No matter how long you've lived with it, social anxiety doesn't have to be part of your personality or your life. Social anxiety disorder can be treated, no matter how or why it develops. Several therapies already exist to help people suffering from social anxiety disorder, and researchers are working hard to find even more treatments. "I thought alcohol would help me be more social…and in a way, it did. But it wasn't really me…I wanted to know what was happening to me and what I could do to feel better. I didn't want to hide behind alcohol."
Other conditionsThe first time someone with social anxiety disorder seeks help is often for another disorder entirely. Depression and panic disorder are examples of disorders that may first make people with social anxiety disorder go to their doctor.Individuals who suffer from depression have a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of enjoyment that interferes with daily life. People with panic disorder have repeated attacks of intense fear, sometimes for no apparent reason. Their heart races, they have chest pain, they can't seem to catch their breath and they feel like something terrible is going to happen. Depression and panic disorder are treatable conditions frequently found with social anxiety disorder. If any of the symptoms sound familiar to you, tell your doctor immediately so he or she can make any necessary changes to your treatment plan.
Alcohol and drugs make matters worseSome people with social anxiety disorder may use alcohol or drugs as a way to self-medicate to help them get through social situations. In fact, about one quarter of all people with social anxiety disorder abuse alcohol. Although alcohol or drugs may seem to help initially, they eventually become another problem in the life of the person with social anxiety disorder.Appropriate treatment for social anxiety disorder may reduce alcohol and drug dependence in those who suffer from this disorder. "I finally went to the doctor for help...who sent me to a therapist who told me about social anxiety disorder. I was so relieved when she told me that she knew what was wrong. It was incredible to hear that it wasn't 'just in my head,' and that there were others like me."
| |||||||||||||||||||||