Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Social Anxiety Disorder
Question: Hello doctor.. I believe I suffer from anxiety.. I always afraid of people who I am not used to.. I am a master student I really face difficulty to do my presentations and I panic but later on my fears goes away once I finish.. I suffer a lot and I have difficulty to communicate with others.. my problem was much moee severe than now but I feel that sometimes I try my best to control this feeling and challenge my self but still my heart beats start raising and I feel my whole body shaking.. I really cannot live with this.. would you please help me
I was so outgoing girl and suddenly I saw these changes happen to me.. I start panic when talking to others or experssing my feelings... I tried my best to control my fear and I feel gradually I am getting over the disease but still getting panic and afraid to face new people.. I perform many experiements and my hands keep shaking .. it is really embarressing.. I havent taken any medication and I do not intend to do so.. please help me to get over this problem completely.. I cannot live this way
I was so outgoing girl and suddenly I saw these changes happen to me.. I start panic when talking to others or experssing my feelings... I tried my best to control my fear and I feel gradually I am getting over the disease but still getting panic and afraid to face new people.. I perform many experiements and my hands keep shaking .. it is really embarressing.. I havent taken any medication and I do not intend to do so.. please help me to get over this problem completely.. I cannot live this way
Brief Answer:
it is social anxiety disorder and it can be treated
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for writing to us. I can understand your concern.
Your symptoms suggest that you are likely suffering from social anxiety disorder (Social Phobia). It is a common problem. It can be treated also.
Specific treatment of anxiety disorder includes both medicines and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT).
In mild cases only CBT is sufficient. In moderate to severe cases initially medicines and then CBT is added. And later on medicines stopped gradually.
If medicines alone are used chances of relapse are more after stopping the medicines.
In medicines SSRI group of drugs(fluoxetine,paroxetine,sertraline, escitalopram) are main stay of the treatment. I prefer paroxetine. Benzodiazepines group of drugs(clonazeapm, lorazepam or etizolam) are used initially for short duration for fast symptomatic relief.
In your case from available history I would recommend CBT. Initially for short duration anti anxiety medicine and before presentation propranolol can be used.
For confirmation of diagnosis detail history and mental status examination should be done in person by a psychiatrist.
In conclusion consulting a psychiatrist will solve your problem and you can live better life.
Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further.
Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.
it is social anxiety disorder and it can be treated
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for writing to us. I can understand your concern.
Your symptoms suggest that you are likely suffering from social anxiety disorder (Social Phobia). It is a common problem. It can be treated also.
Specific treatment of anxiety disorder includes both medicines and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT).
In mild cases only CBT is sufficient. In moderate to severe cases initially medicines and then CBT is added. And later on medicines stopped gradually.
If medicines alone are used chances of relapse are more after stopping the medicines.
In medicines SSRI group of drugs(fluoxetine,paroxetine,sertraline, escitalopram) are main stay of the treatment. I prefer paroxetine. Benzodiazepines group of drugs(clonazeapm, lorazepam or etizolam) are used initially for short duration for fast symptomatic relief.
In your case from available history I would recommend CBT. Initially for short duration anti anxiety medicine and before presentation propranolol can be used.
For confirmation of diagnosis detail history and mental status examination should be done in person by a psychiatrist.
In conclusion consulting a psychiatrist will solve your problem and you can live better life.
Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further.
Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
