Social Anxiety

What is Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)? 

Having some butterflies in your stomach, or feeling a little anxious, about meeting new people, attending social gatherings, or going on dates, can be completely normal. Anxiety is a normal human emotion, that can motivate us to look sharp, be on our best behavior, and/or bring flowers. However, if anxiety or stress about social situations or engagements causes significant distress, results in avoidance behaviors, or interferes with ones academic life, work, or relationships, an evaluation by a mental health professional and treatment may be warranted.

Social Anxiety Disorder is a common mental health condition, that is treatable with psychotherapy and/or medication management.

How Common is Social Anxiety Disorder?

Approximately 5-10% of people in the US suffer from Social Anxiety Disorder. About 20% of individuals suffer from any Anxiety Disorder during a given 12 month period. Anxiety Disorders, such as Social Anxiety Disorder, are extremely common in the US and worldwide.

What Symptoms Might a Person Experience with Social Anxiety Disorder?

Individuals with Social Anxiety may exhibit a range of physical and emotional symptoms, when thinking about, or engaged in, social situations.

Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder may include:

• Racing heart
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• A feeling as if one is going to pass out
• Subjective feelings of anxiety
• Tremor
• “Tunnel Vision”
• Upset stomach
• Sweating/ feelings of warmth / Chills
• Avoidance*

*Social Anxiety Disorder is also often categorized by avoidance behaviors, which may limit personal, social, occupational and academic function. Avoidance may also severely limit personal relationships.

When Should I get an Evaluation for the Treatment of my Social Anxiety Disorder?

We recommend that individuals schedule a psychiatric evaluation for Social Anxiety, if they experience any of the following symptoms:

• Avoidance of situations due to symptoms
• Symptoms interfering with academic or occupational life
• Symptoms interfering with social life or relationships
• Anxiety affecting sleep, energy, focus, or appetite.
• Feelings of hopelessness
• High levels of anxiety or stress
• Crying episodes
• Difficulty being present with friends or loved ones, due to anxiety.
• If one is utilizing poor coping mechanisms (alcohol or substance use, gambling, self-harm) in an attempt to cope
• Suicidal thoughts
  • If you have suicidal thoughts, call 911 or 988. Do not wait for an appointment.

What Types of Treatment are Available for Social Anxiety Disorder?

Treatment for Social Anxiety should be tailored to the individual. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment in psychiatry. Your treatment for Social Anxiety may include:

• Psychotherapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Therapy, to increase functioning and desensitize from triggers.
• Medication Management. Medication management may be part of your Social Anxiety treatment. Specific medication utilized for an individual’s Anxiety may include SSRI’s/ SNRI’s or others. At times, as needed medications such as beta blockers (which decrease the sympathetic nervous system’s tone (fight or flight)) or other as needed medications may be appropriate.
• Behavioral modification: Recommendations regarding sleep hygiene, exercise, diet, activities, caffeine use and others, may be part of a patient’s treatment.

Do You Offer Both In-office and Virtual Online Psychiatric Appointments for the Treatment of Social Anxiety?

Yes, we offer both in-office and virtual online psychiatric appointments for the treatment of Social Anxiety.

Why Choose Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates for Treatment for my Social Anxiety?

The providers at Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates are academically oriented providers, most of whom teach, or have taught, at academic institutions. Our providers are Board Certified Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners and we have several licensed and doctoral level therapists and psychologists. We are experienced in working with individuals who struggle with various psychiatric conditions, including Social Anxiety.

• Licensed Therapists and Doctoral Level Psychologists
• Board Certified Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners
• Academically Oriented providers, most of whom teach, or have taught, at local Academic Institutions, such as Johns Hopkins Hospital & The University of Pennsylvania.
• Appointments generally available within 2 weeks.
• In-office and online Virtual Appointments for the treatment of Social Anxiety.
• Providers experienced in treating co-occurring psychiatric conditions.
• Providers who are welcoming to all individuals.