JoanPsychological Disorders Week 8 Essay

Submitted By Joan-Simposn
Words: 685
Pages: 3

Assignment: Psychological Disorders
Joan Simpson
PSY/201/Week8
09/12/14
Katrena Taylor-Springs

Social Anxiety Disorder Social anxiety disorder is one of the most common psychiatric disorders and mainly relates to having fear and anxiety both during and due to social situations. According to Murray, Stein and Gorman (2001), people with this disorder are “typically shy, timid, and quiet in groups and uncomfortable being the center of attention. People have a tendency to fear the scrutiny of others and some of them have it at such an aggravated level that they avoid most interpersonal contact or else undergo immense distress in such situations (Murray, B., Stein, MD, Gorman J., 2001, Unmasking social anxiety disorder).
Behavioral Symptoms
Behavioral symptoms that indicate social anxiety disorders are focused on the acquaintances behavior and fear related to social interactions and similar social situations. Firstly, the person would feel overly self conscious when the situation requires them to take action and that action is under scrutiny or visible to others, that is, he or she will pay high attention to themselves during and after an activity. Since such people fear being judged by society, they prefer social avoidance and fear activities like parties, talking to strangers, restaurants and interviews. Social anxiety disorder during such situations may further propel the situation and lead to visible symptoms like stuttering, sweating, dizziness and a panic attack. They try to avoid eye contact and often blush when talking to someone they have recently acquainted. Moreover, this disorder works alongside low self esteem and clinical depression as these also are consequences of continuous avoidance of social situations. Thus, depression and low self esteem are also signs of a person with the potential of such a disorder. Finally, substance abuse is also caused by most of the above discussed symptoms and thus is in itself a symptom of social anxiety disorder (Stein, M. B.; Stein, D. J., 2008, Social anxiety disorder).
Treatment: Cognitive Behavior Therapy The cognitive behavior therapy approach is very effective and popular for treating cases of social anxiety disorders. It includes both the cognitive therapy and behavior therapy which helps to counter the anxiety through different positions. Cognitive therapy aims to help the patient with the apprehension that others are continuously watching and judging him or her. Under its treatment, the patient questions whether they are sure about other people’s interest is real or make believe. Behavior therapy, on the other hand, aids in patient’s reaction to distressful social situations. They both are used as therapy together to help the patient realize that their thoughts that cause the anxiety are unrealistic and imaginary. The therapy is not done with a harsh speed and emphasizes on gradually