Social Anxiety Disorder

Question: How can you get over social anxiety disorder? I've had social anxiety disorder for three years now and it gets worse everyday. I stopped going to school because the panic attacks and i couldan't handle being in large crowds. I've lost all my friends since i've got it, and i've become depressed because i'm so lonely.

Answer: First, get on some medication if you aren't already on some. Second, talk to a counselor/professional. Third, you need to make a conscious decision not to let your social anxiety disorder affect your life.

Question: What kind of occasion brought Social Anxiety Disorder on? I'm taking a psychology course, and for a project I am to take a survey. For it I chose Social Anxiety. I'd like to ask people with this disorder what type of occasion or childhood experience brought it on? Thanks a bunch!

Answer: Some people had overbearing authority figures in their lives that told them to be perfect or unacceptable; some were abused and have low self-esteem, some have been picked on in school, others may have deformities...others have learn through experience that people are dangerous and can't be trusted.

Question: Who do you go to first for social anxiety disorder? How much does it cost or is it covered? Where do you go to get help for social anxiety disorder? Do you go to the doctor or go to a psychologist or something like that? How much does it cost or is it covered by insurance ( the visit + medication) I'm 17 and i doubt my mom would want to pay for it.

Answer: It all depends on your insurance. I had to go to the doctor first and get a referral to go to a therapist. My insurance paid for a certain amount of visit a year, but each insurance policy is different. Also, you're assuming that your mom wouldn't want to pay. Talk to her, let her know what the problem is, let her know why you want to get help, you're assumption could be wrong. I started out telling my mom by making a list of "symptoms". I then, not telling my mom what this was about, asked her to answer yes or no about if the the things on the list describe me.

Question: How do you treat social anxiety disorder is there hope? I have had social anxiety disorder for years but the doctors always told me I was just shy which was untrue it was much more than that.I do not have a job not that many friends dont even drive yet due to this .I want to get help and I am just wondering if there is any way to treat this or at least make it tolerable and let me live finally.If you want to make fun of this go right ahead but unless you actually deal with this you have no idea how difficult or hard it is to live with.

Answer: I actually suffered this for years, what helped me was yoga and self meditation. I didn't get my liscense until I was 21, I got a job out of luck when I was 16 (i sat in a room and stuffed envelopes) and kept it until alittle after i turned 21. I started talking to myself alot, thinking positive things and now I am very active. I even have a boyfriend, but I still have alot of problems socializing and now drink alot when out...but one step at a time.

Question: Why do people get social anxiety disorder? And did people get it say 50 year ago? And do all people with social anxiety disorder have something in common, whatever that may be?

Answer: Research into the causes of social anxiety and social phobia is wide-ranging, encompassing multiple perspectives from neuroscience to sociology. Scientists have yet to pinpoint the exact causes. Studies suggest that genetics can play a part in combination with environmental factors. here are a list of possible causes

Question: How to overcome social anxiety disorder? I have social anxiety disorder...I prefer to stay home...I have a difficult time interacting with people...I create false narratives about people...I live in NYC where people can be cold and racist(I am black) how do I overcome this so that it stops interfering with my dail routine?

Answer: Dr J, I can relate to how you feel. I had anxiety attacks too. I was thinking too much. For me, that was when I had to speak in public. Or when there would be more than a few people around me in the same room. It was something that started when I was a teenager and that lasted over years and subsequently affected my career until not so long ago. At some point, I was prescribed medicine but I wanted to avoid that because of side effects. That's when I discovered a program that literally pulled me out of that "hole". It is a 100% natural method. It is http://www.stop-your-anxiety-now.com The KEY is that you should no longer fear the thought of anxiety. You have to get out of that loop. Not only did that cure me - you become your true self again - but I was also extremely surprised to even discover newly built self-confidence. There is always a solution! Get out of the anxiety loop! All the best, Misaki

Question: What is the relevance of the fact that Social Anxiety Disorder is located on the eighth chromosome? They have spent millions on determining that Social anxiety Disorder is a deformation of the eighth chromosome and that the result of the malformation causes interference in the serotonin transporter cells and the serotonin receptor cells. Also that the condition known in Japan as Taijin Kyofusho is the Asian equivalent to SAD. Now why bother to spend all those resources on a disease that they have no intention of treating anyways?

Answer: Sometimes when they lay a concrete foundation you can't really tell what kind of building they are going to build. This is just one of many stepping stones to building a genetic probability matrix on every human being. When you can do that you can then do many things. Deny health care to a individual who will most likely die young from heart disease no matter what you do. Incarcerate someone who has a high possibility of becoming violent. Label someone a murderer as they lie in the crib. The list is endless. It also raises the question of "free will" vs "genetic destiny". Rent the movie Minority Report. Some will think that these things can't happen, but they can. If I can think it, so can someone else... someone with more power than me. DaVinci was persecuted for his ideas as well.

Question: What's the best, most effective treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder? I know certain meds work better for certain people, but it seems like most meds aren't made for social anxiety disorder in the first place. But I believe a few are supposed to be effective. Which ones seem to work best overall? Thanks.

Answer: The most commonly used ones are SSRI antidepressants. Amongst these, paroxetine has been the most studied, but fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram, and escitalopram can also be effective in alleviating the worst of the symptoms. Venlafaxine can also be effective, but has not been studied for this condition. Another antidepressant, moclobemide, which is a RIMA ( reversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase) is also licenced for social anxiety disorder. The older MAOIs can be effective too, but have quite severe side-effects and diet-restrictions. I've also read that clonazepam, a benzodiazepine can be effective, but is very rarely used, so you'd have to do some more research on this.

Question: How do I find a doctor to make an appointment for treating my social anxiety disorder? I know that I have social anxiety disorder, I just don't know how to go about getting help for it. I am almost positive I need medication to help me cope. How do I find a doctor and make an appointment?

Answer: Talk to your family doctor or your insurance company. If you have an HMO you're going to need a referral, if you have a PPO your insurance company should give you a list of doctors to choose from.

Question: How do I appoarch seeking help for social anxiety disorder? Someone once told me that I have social anxiety disorder but I thought they were just messing with me. I recently looked it up and found that they might be right. My only problem is I'm scared to ask my parents about seeking help. I'm scared that they won't believe me or that they will and then I'll have to talk to someone. I don't know what to do or how to try and appoarch my parents..Can someone give me some advice? So I appoarched my mom about it and just what I thought would happen happened. She thinks that everyone feels like that even her. That I don't have a problem. But I really think I do I was nervous just to tell her about it because I was afraid of what she would think..What else should I do?

Answer: If you decide that you really want to get help, first do some research. Get examples of how the symptoms apply to you, and how it is affecting your life. Do you not want to participate in social activities? Has it kept you from doing things you needed to do? If you don't want to go to your parents directly, try going to your school counselor first. He or she might have resources to get you screened, and could provide an "expert" opinion and validation of your concerns.

Question: How do you deal with social anxiety disorder? I have social anxiety disorder; I was diagnosed about 3 years ago. I have tried medication and therapy, but I don't like how the medication makes me feel and I would like to find an alternative to therapy. How do you combat negative thoughts and face your fears in social situations? One negative thought in particular I am having difficulty with is the constant fear that my boyfriend is cheating on me. How do I get rid of this?

Answer: Its hard to overcome... what meds have you been on? I have General Anexiety Disorder and sometimes it controls my life. There are times when I can't even leave my bedroom. Sometimes I go hysterical at work (so embarressing) and other times I'm able to calm myself down, but it's hard. I take xanax daily... i used to be on a "maintenance" drug - but I didn;t like it, so now I'm going to counsuling ... It's not making a huge difference yet, but I am learning how to cope and what to do when I feel I'm about to have a panic attack... Sometimes just learning new ways to cope really help. Hang in there. Just remember some of the negative thoughts and fears you have are irrational. He loves you and would never cheat on you. Just the fear of it happening is scary - analyze the situation. . . (Trust is the most important part of a relationship, you know that so have a little trust & faith) Hang in there doll.

Question: I want to join the marines but I have social anxiety disorder - would they still allow me to join? I've been wanting to join the marines for quite a while now but keep hesitating because of my social anxiety disorder which I am taking xanax for. I am also an alcoholic (mentally not physically addicted) so I know I would have to cut back drastically or just quit. Also, assuming they would let me join, do they have their own doctors that manage your prescriptions or do you still have to see your own doctor?

Answer: You can not join ANY branch of the military taking psychiatric meds, or any prescription meds really. To enlist in any branch, you have to be off psychiatric meds for at least 1 year before yoru even considered to be given a waiver. They give breathalizer tests at MEPS as well, so you have to stop drinking too. You need to manage your anxiety disorder before you even think about it. belive me, i had problems the first time i went to meps about a year and a half ago. I had self harmed in teh past and seen counselors. and yes, they denied me adn said to get my mind set and to come back when i was ready, and they would let me in on a waiver after a psych evaluation and thats what im doing now. bout 3 more weeks till i enlist and believe me, it would have been ALOT better to wait tll i was better liek i am now Edit Also, dont try to Hide ANYTHING from your recruiter. if your straight up honest with your recruiter, they will do their best to get you in. They dont like being lied to, and if you lie to them and say nothings wrong, then crack infront of the doctors in the 9+ hour physical, they are going to be very mhm upset with you. to put it nicely. haha. Be honest. dont lie. tell your recruiter. he will probably tell you Stop taking them, wait a week, then take you to meps since the medications will be out of your system. Now my Marine recruiter told me to lie, say nothing was wrong with me. I didnt think that was safe though given my state of being at the time so i was honest. i didnt wnat to put my whole platoon in danger cuz of me. Believe me, it works out in the end. Edit 2= Sad to say, David p is lying. you are not allowed any medication ESPECIALLY psychiatric medication in the Army. Edit again, lol. - You cant have any medications while in basic training. After however, if you "develop" this they might give you the medications, or discharge you.

Question: I am 17 a londer with no friends, constantly depressed I think I have social anxiety disorder and I hate life? I can't get professional help and don't know who to turn to. Also I think I have social anxiety disorder. Please Help !

Answer: have you tried talking with someone? You can keep a journal or diary.

Question: How To Deal With Social Anxiety Disorder? How do you deal with Social Anxiety Disorder? Do you find it helps to "jump right in" to social situations when you are anxious and scared, or "easy does it"? Any help is appreciated.

Answer: Is it a fear of large groups for you? Are you OK in small groups? If so, enlist the help of a couple of friends to take you to a party, stay with you most of the time, but also introduce you to new people so you can practice talking with strangers. It won't seem so scary if you have a friend to act as a buffer and a safe person to go to if you get panicky. I'm a believer in "baby steps" when it comes to anything fear- or anxiety-related.

Question: My cousin is in the Marine Corps Reserve and was diagnosed with social anxiety disorder will he be discharged? He went to a psychiatrist two days ago and was diagnosed with Social Anxiety disorder and was prescribed Xanax. I don't think he has notified them yet but what are the odds of him being discharged? Does the Marine Corps routinely discharge Marines who have been diagnosed with mental disorders/illnesses?

Answer: Most likely he will not be in these times. My husband has been diagnosed with PT SD Anxiety and Agoraphobia. These diagnosis came 2 months after he left the Army. The Army had him on 5 different anti-psychotic/anti-depression meds at the same time and sent him to Iraq with all his meds and told him to make sure to keep taking them. While in the Army they told him he had indigestion and to go back to work.

Question: Which medication would you recommend for social anxiety disorder? I currently just started Effexor XR on Thursday for social anxiety disorder. If anybody has been on more than one medication for social anxiety disorder which one was your favourite? Does anybody have any experiences with Effexor? I understand a lot of people don't like the withdrawal symptoms or have had bad experiences with Effexor but it's different for everybody.

Answer: Effexor XR has been used off-label to treat anxiety, although they work very differently than anxiolytics. So, I would try one of them first. They are: benzodiazapines (xanax, klonopin, valium) and buspar. Be aware that benzo's are very sedating and may be a bit too potent, but are very effective in relieving short term anxiety, whereas, buspar is not sedating and approved for mild to moderate anxiety disorders. I was under the impression that anti-depressants were made to increase the activity of your nervous system, giving you a bit more energy, because many depressives seem to appear lackluster, from a psychological standpoint. Anxiolytics behave in another manner, often dampening the nervous system, so your mind and body feel calm. Additionally, you may have problems with Effexor since it exhibits a plethora of side effects.