Social anxiety disorder medication and treatment available online today

Several biological related factors have been observed to play a role, including:

• Age: The average age of onset for social anxiety disorder is during the teenage years.

• Family genetics: It tends to run in families, but not all family members will get it.

• Brain structure: People who possess an overactive amygdala tend to experience increased anxiety during stressful social situations. The amygdala is a part of the brain that plays a role in fear response control.

• Temperament: People who are shy and withdrawn during social interactions tend to have a higher chance of developing social anxiety disorder.

Below are some environmental factors:

• High stress situations: These situations, such as public speaking for the first time, can trigger anxiety attack symptoms for the first time.

• Negative experiences: These are is tied to high stress situations. The human mind and body are constantly learning. If intense negative experiences such rejection or humiliation are the results of high stress social situations such as public speaking or meeting new people, the mind will learn to associate both together. As a result, when similar social situations arise in the future, the mind and body will view these as a trigger.

Some common triggers are:

• Public speaking

• Using public restrooms

• Meeting new people

• Speaking up in a meeting

• Eating or drinking in public

Social anxiety and COVID-19

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, social anxiety disorder affects approximately 15 million American adults. This number may increase as the United States steps into the post-COVID era. As the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted and Americans try to resume normal work and social life after years in quarantine, many may begin to experience anxiety when exposed to social settings once again.

The COVID restrictions and social distancing have changed the social interaction norms. As a result, many people will become uncertain of their actions as they navigate group social settings again. Worry or fear of being judged or criticized by other people if one does or does not wear a mask or if one accidentally coughs or sneezes in public can become triggers for people to develop social anxiety.

COVID's impact can be especially hard on children. Many children have been in both virtual and in-person environments. During quarantine periods, isolation could cause anxious and depressive symptoms in kids and teens. Younger kids who were used to social distancing during COVID may now feel anxious as they have to go into classrooms and interact with teachers and other children.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Commonly prescribed to treat social anxiety, these medications are generally considered safe with low side effects. Examples:

Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

These anti anxiety medications can also be prescribed to treat social anxiety disorder.

Beta-blockers

Though not common, beta blockers can be prescribed to help control some of the physical symptoms of social anxiety disorder

Note that for all medications, remember to talk to your doctor about potential side effects.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

When a person suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder, he or she displays compulsive behaviors due to unreasonable thoughts and fears.

Post traumatic stress disorder

This is a mental health condition brought about by experiences with traumatic events such as a serious accident, war, or natural disaster. Symptoms can include persistent nightmares, anxiety, and depression.

Depression

The anxiety and depression association has been observed and researched. With anxiety disorders, the patient suffers persistent anxiety and fear. On the other hand, with depression, the patient can have symptoms such as feeling down, sad, irritable or fatigued. While anxiety disorder and depression have distinctive symptoms, they commonly occur together.

ADHD