Being nervous before a presentation or a performance is normal. Almost everyone who stands up in front of people to speak admit that they are, to some extent, scared because they do not want to be embarrassed. But when it becomes excessive, to the point that it interferes with the individual\’s daily activities, medical attention must be considered. The condition in which a person is extremely anxious over social gatherings and meeting people is known as social anxiety or social phobia. There are different ways on how to treat social anxiety or phobia. Some treatments are more effective than others and prompt treatment is better than leaving the condition to get worse. On occasions failure to treat can result to a generalized anxiety disorder, a condition wherein the person is extremely worried about everything.

In the United States alone, more than 20 million people suffer from social phobia, making it one of the most common mental disorders in the country. One of the most effective methods on how to treat social anxiety revolve around cognitive and medication therapy. During the initial phase of the treatment, the root cause and underlying issues regarding the social phobias are examined. It is also during this time that the doctor makes an assessment of the severity of the situation. This will help him decide on how to treat social anxiety experienced by the individual.

In the cognitive-behavioral aspect of treatment, the patient will undergo a series of counseling sessions with a psychiatrist or a psychologist. The doctor can use a variety of methods to relieve the patient\’s social anxiety. He can perform an exposure therapy, where the patient is encouraged to face his fears in a gradual manner. It can start with imagining the fearful situation until he is able to actually immerse himself into it. Social skills training is another form of cognitive-behavioral treatment where the patient is taught on how to improve his people interaction skills so he can adapt to his condition. The patient\’s negative way of thinking can also be changed through cognitive restructuring. This method eliminates the patient\’s ideas and mental images that can trigger social anxiety. Lastly, symptom management helps the patient control the physical manifestation of an anxiety attack.

In conjunction with cognitive-behavioral therapy, the doctor can prescribe medications to aid the patient\’s treatment. Here are some of the medications that are commonly used by patients who have a social anxiety:

– Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors – these medications are known to relieve the depression associated with anxiety. It is important for the patient to stay away from foods that contain tyramine, such as aged cheese and wine.

– Benzodiazepines – these drugs are known for their fast-acting effect, making them useful in emergency situations. They are habit-forming though, so people who have substance abuse problems are prohibited from taking them.

– Beta-blockers – these target the signs and symptoms of anxiety such as an increase in heart rate and rise in blood pressure.

Any use of medication should always be taken under strict medical advice from a doctor.

Constant monitoring and follow up is essential to ensure that the patient experiences recovery from their problem, however a combination of these forms of treatment is certainly a highly effective way in how to treat social anxiety.

George Hunter is a writer about Social Anxiety Disorder and other anxiety related topics. He has created a website resource to help fellow sufferers find a solution to their condition. Why not have a look at http://www.SocialAnxietyDisorderGuide.com to find out what you can do about Social Anxiety and other types of Anxiety and Panic disorders.

George Hunter is a writer and blogger about Social Anxiety Disorder and other anxiety related topics. He has created a website resource to help fellow sufferers find a solution to their condition. Why not have a look at http://www.SocialAnxietyDisorderGuide.com to find out what you can do about it.

Author Bio: George Hunter is a writer about Social Anxiety Disorder and other anxiety related topics. He has created a website resource to help fellow sufferers find a solution to their condition. Why not have a look at http://www.SocialAnxietyDisorderGuide.com to find out what you can do about Social Anxiety and other types of Anxiety and Panic disorders.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: how to treat social anxiety, social anxiety, social phobia, cognitive behavioral therapy