Social Anxiety Disorder

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Social anxiety disorder is a condition in which you avoid social situations that you fear will make you uncomfortable. It is also called social phobia or sometimes called SAD. You may fear that people are observing or judging you or that they have negative feelings about you. You may become anxious and distressed and choose to avoid situations. This fear may be extreme and may be real or imagined. The anxiety and fear can get in the way of work, school, or other daily activities. With proper treatment and medicine, you may be able to do most of your daily activities.
  
  
• It is not exactly known what causes social anxiety disorder. Having a long-term fear or a problem with chemicals in your body, such as dopamine or serotonin, are possible causes. You may have blushing, trembling, sweating, and trouble talking to people. social anxiety disorder may affect how you do things and how you act with other people but it can be treated. With medicine and treatment, you may perform most of your daily activities.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

Social anxiety disorder, if untreated, may become a long-term condition that prevents you from having a normal life. This disorder may also cause other problems, such as alcohol and substance abuse, eating disorders, major depression, and suicide. Social anxiety disorder treatment is more difficult if these problems are present.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent:

A consent form is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.

Psychiatric assessment:

Caregivers will ask if you have a history of psychological trauma, such as physical, sexual, or mental abuse. They will ask if you were given the care that you needed. Caregivers will ask you if you have been a victim of a crime or natural disaster, or if you have a serious injury or disease. They will ask you if you have seen other people being harmed, such as in combat. You will be asked if you drink alcohol or use drugs at present or in the past. Caregivers will ask you if you want to hurt or kill yourself or others. How you answer these questions can help caregivers decide on treatment. To help during treatment, caregivers will ask you about such things as how you feel about it and your hobbies and goals. Caregivers will also ask you about the people in your life who support you.

Medicines:

You may have one or more of the following:

• Antianxiety medicine: This medicine may be given to decrease anxiety and help you feel calm and relaxed.
  
  
• Anti-depressants: These medicines are given to decrease or stop the symptoms of depression. Other behavior problems may also be treated with anti-depressants.
  
  
• Beta-blockers: You may receive these medicines to treat or prevent "performance anxiety".
  
  
• Tranquilizers: These are also called sedatives and may be given to help you stay calm and relaxed.

Tests:

Social anxiety disorder is usually diagnosed based upon your signs and symptoms. You may have any of the following tests to see if your condition is caused by a health problem:

• Blood tests: You may need blood taken to give caregivers information about how your body is working. The blood may be taken from your hand, arm, or IV.
  
  
• Urine sample: For this test you need to urinate into a small container. You will be given instructions on how to clean your genital area before you urinate. Do not touch the inside of the cup. Follow instructions on where to place the cup of urine when you are done.

Other treatment options:

You may have one or more of the following:

• Psychotherapy: This is also called talk therapy and may include any of the following:
  
  
  • Assertiveness training: This training teaches you to stand up for yourself. It also teaches you how to ask for what you need, how to set limits, and how to say no.
    
    
  • Family meetings: Your caregivers will meet with you and your family. You will talk about how to cope with your illness.
    
    
  • Group therapy: This is a series of meetings that you attend with other patients and staff. During these meetings, patients and staff talk together about ways to cope with illness.
    
    
  • Individual therapy: This is a time for you to meet alone with your therapist. During this time you and your therapist may talk about how to cope with your illness.
    
    
  • Social skills training: This teaches and trains you how to get along with other people.
  
  

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Social Anxiety Disorder (Inpatient Care)