Home Remedies and Herbs for Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is a chronic mental condition that causes extreme anxiety in everyday social situations.¹ This goes beyond normal nervousness or shyness common in social interactions like going on a first date; rather, it leads to fear and anxiety that affects a person’s daily life.¹ A person with social anxiety disorder may experience an irrational fear of being judged by others, and it may affect their performance in work and school.² It’s estimated that approximately seven percent of Americans suffer from social anxiety disorder.²

What Causes Social Anxiety Disorder?

It’s not entirely clear what causes social anxiety disorder. The condition can run in families, suggesting a genetic component.² Environmental factors play a role as well, such as limited social opportunities or overprotective parenting.³ Research suggests that misreading other people’s body language may contribute to worsening social anxiety. Individuals with underdeveloped social skills are also at high risk of the disorder.² 

In addition to these social anxiety disorder causes, it’s possible that some of the complications associated with the condition are due to brain abnormalities in the amygdala, which is a structure that controls the fear response. Social anxiety disorder tends to start in childhood or adolescence.^2,3 Children who are bullied or experience early emotional trauma or humiliation are at higher risk of social anxiety.⁴ Social anxiety disorder may be triggered by new social experiences, such as giving a speech or meeting new people. Social anxiety disorder affects men and women equally.³

Social Anxiety Disorder Symptoms

Social anxiety disorder symptoms range from emotional and behavioral to physical symptoms. Common emotional symptoms may include:

• Intense fear of social situations
• Avoidance of social situations
• Fear of dating, going to work or school, eating in front of others, or making eye contact
• Extreme self-consciousness

When placed into a social situation, individuals with social anxiety disorder may exhibit physical symptoms like:

• Blushing
• Increased heart rate
• Muscle tension
• Sweating
• Trembling
• Nausea
• Dizziness

Social anxiety disorder is a serious condition that can lead to further complications if left untreated. Individuals with social anxiety disorder also tend to experience low self-esteem, poor social skills, and negative self-talk. They are more prone to low achievement in work and school. Risk for substance abuse and suicide increases in patients who suffer from social anxiety disorder.⁴ Individuals with social anxiety disorder may use a combination of medications and psychotherapy to help cope.¹

References

1. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/social-anxiety-disorder/home/ovc-20342343
2. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/social-anxiety-disorder-more-than-just-shyness/index.shtml
3. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000957.htm
4. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/social-anxiety-disorder/symptoms-causes/dxc-20342365