Fear Of People Phobia - How Social Phobia Impacts Your Life
Most people feel shy around other people at one time or another. Some learn to grow past their shyness and enjoy the company of others. Others remain habitually shy and are awkward around those whom they don't know well. However, many suffer from a condition far more devastating than mere shyness. They're afflicted with social phobia, an extreme discomfort of being near most people. Because this phobia can severely impact a person's social life, let's take a closer look at the causes, symptoms and possible paths to treatment.
Causes
Experts say that social phobia is one of the few known phobias that can potentially stem from a genetic predisposition (though that hasn't been determined conclusively). While most phobias are simply learned responses to events, an intense fear of being in close proximity to other people has been linked to familial tendencies. It's unclear, however, if these tendencies are due to genetic code or simply a learned behavior as a result of continued exposure to the actions of family members.
Scientists have also speculated that people who fear being next to others may be ultra-sensitive to a chemical produced in the brain called serotonin. This chemical normalizes the emotions and the mood of a person. It's possible that it can help trigger anxiety in social situations. Symptoms & Diagnosis A proper diagnosis of this phobia requires 2 main criteria. First, a person must exhibit a relentless anxiety in social environments. Second, they proactively shun such situations to the detriment of normal daily life. Often, those who suffer from social anxiety believe they'll be humiliated in public. They typically begin to sweat or blush noticeably when confronted with this situation. They have difficulty speaking as their muscles tense and their voice shakes. Many people have such intense fear that it can result in trembling and even bouts of diarrhea. Treatment The anxiety that people feel as a result of this phobia is usually persistent throughout their lives. That said, the symptoms can be controlled through psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy focuses on the social phobic's thoughts as the true cause of the anxiety. Once negative thoughts are identified, they can be modified and the person's behavior in social settings can be managed. In addition, antidepressants, such as Paxil, Zoloft and Effexor as well as certain beta-blockers have proven effective in relieving the anxiety. Enjoying Other People Enjoying the company of other people is one of the greatest joys in life. Those with an extreme fear of social situations are unable to experience this joy. Fortunately, cognitive behavioral treatment such as psychotherapy and the use of antidepressants has successfully helped social phobics manage their anxiety. With continued treatment, they can enjoy interacting with others around them.
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