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Disorder of the Day. Category: Anxiety Disorders. Source: DSM-IV TR. Social anxiety disorder or social phobia. Characterized by an intense fear in social situations causing considerable distress and impaired ability to function
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Disorder of the Day Category: Anxiety Disorders Source: DSM-IV TR
Social anxiety disorder or social phobia • Characterized by an intense fear in social situations causing considerable distress and impaired ability to function • Can be specific (only some situations are feared) or generalized • Generalized = persistent, intense, chronic fear of being judged by others and being embarrassed or judged by one’s own actions
Prevalence • About 13.3% of the population may meet criteria for SAD at some point in their lives • Third most prevalent disorder in the US after depression and alcohol dependence • 2 to 3 male to female ratio
Physical symptoms • Excessive blushing • Sweating • Trembling • Nausea • Stammering • Panic attacks
Causes and perspectives • Three times more likely to suffer SAD if a family members has been diagnosed • Previous negative social experience • 50% of those diagnosed can identify a specific traumatic event • Social/cultural factors • Other cultures more accepting of shyness (US vs China studies) • Evolutionary context • Fight or flight • Substance abuse • Psychological factors • Develop based on personality and adverse experiences and are activated when the person feels under threat
Treatment • Psychotherapy • Cognitive behavior therapy has been shown to be affective • Medication • SSRIs • Zoloft • Prozac • Paxil • Both