Social Anxiety Disorder - Research Paper Example

Social Anxiety Disorder Social anxiety disorder originally referred to as social phobia is a disorder wherethose affected suffer from excessive fear and anxiety of social situations for duration of more than six months. Those with this anxiety disorder have a constant fear of being watched, criticized or judged by those around them. According to the American Psychiatric Association, social anxiety disorder can be classified as a type of phobia which has a disruptive and a disabling effect on the lives of those affected. In the past, Psychologists believed that social anxiety disorder is only triggered by past traumatic events. This argument is clearly an over-simplification of the causes of this disorder. Research and recent trends have mainly attributed bullying in schools, negative influences in a childs development, and traumatic events in individuals past as the main causes of SAD. Although there has not been one proven cause of social anxiety disorder, it is widely accepted that biological factors and genetic composition are the predominant factors that affect the development of the disorder. Scientists state that SAD is caused by the abnormal functioning of brain circuits that regulate emotion. In his book, Rohan argues that irritable infants grow into fearful toddlers and remain introverted in their early lives. They later develop a social anxiety disorder in their adolescent life. The above evidence alludes to the fact that people are born with SAD hence the argument that biological compositions mainly result to the development of this disorder. He also demonstrates how children likely to develop SAD in future have a high resting heart rate that rises higher while under stress. This physiological trait further compliments the biological cause theory (Rohan p.28). Scientists have attempted to explain some genes associated with social anxiety disorder and have claimed that some people have a genetic predisposition to this disorder. This theory has been proven by studying twins where if one twin is affected by SAD, there are increased chances of the other twin also being affected. Studies have also shown that a family with one child suffering from SAD is more likely to get a second child with the same disorder. There is also an increased chance of a child developing SAD if the parents suffer from this disorder. However; studies and research are still being performed to prove the genetic components associated with causing social anxiety disorder. Psychological and Environmental factors also cause the development of social anxiety disorder. Psychological causes could be as a result of embarrassing social experiences in one past. These experiences leave one intimidated and fearful of reoccurrence of those incidences thus resulting in an excessive phobia. For example, teenagers who are bullied by their peers tend to develop the social anxiety disorder later on in life. One might also develop SAD as a result of observing the behavior of those around an individual and learning from other peoples experiences. Childrens upbringing can also result in the development of this disorder. For example, if an individual were constantly bullied and neglected by their parents or siblings they could develop SAD. Psychologists thus believe that life events are very vital in the development of social anxiety. It is thus evident that ones history, environment, and experiences contribute to the development of SAD. This argument makes sense, as most aspects of the SAD are social by nature and require an individuals experience for one to be affected. DSM-5, which refers to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, shows the diagnosis and symptoms of social anxiety disorder. There is no laboratory test to diagnose SAD. Doctors are thus required to carry out a physical exam by evaluating and asking the patient questions. The DSM-5 Manual clearly lists the requirements mandatory for one to be diagnosed with SAD. First, one must demonstrate a persistent fear of social or performance situations when exposed to scrutiny or unfamiliar people. The above should be fear of humiliating oneself which will eventually result in anxiety symptoms that may take the form of a situational bound or situational predisposed Panic Attack. The anxiety, distress and avoidance of social situations should interfere with the normal routine, relationships or occupational functioning of an individual. If the above occurs for more than six months and the affected individual should be in a position to recognize that this fear is unreasonable, then one can be fully diagnosed with SAD (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders p. 27). SAD is characterized by three broad categories of symptoms namely; feelings and emotional symptoms, behavioral symptoms and physical and cognitive symptoms. These symptoms are experienced once an affected person is faced with situations that provoke social anxiety. Such situations may include, activities with peers, attending parties, working or going to school, or attending any other social gatherings. Feelings and emotional symptoms include loneliness, anxiety, stress, humiliation, and frustration and panic attacks. The above emotions can then result in physical symptoms. Such physical symptoms include; dry throat and mouth, hand tremor, trembling, grinding of teeth, fainting, the urgency to use the toilet, stumbling over words, nausea, feeling light-headed and fainting. There are also behavioral and safety symptoms such as; not speaking, avoiding eye contact, being distracted, talking excessively, leaving and avoiding the situation (Henderson p.67). Social Anxiety Disorder prevalence varies across socio-economic, ethnic, racial groups and gender groups. These variations are as a result of the perception of social norms, culture and gender roles identification. Research shows that Western countries have the highest prevalence of SAD cases. The DSM-5 demonstrates how white Americans are more likely to suffer from SAD than all the other ethnic groups; Black Americans, Asian Americans and Hispanic Americans (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders p.30). In the research, the Asian Americans demonstrated the least symptoms of anxiety disorder. The above could be attributed to a difference in lifestyle, economic status, and cultural beliefs. DSM-5 shows that women have a high prevalence rate of SAD than men. Research also shows that women suffer an increased symptom severity and worse functional impairment than men. It is proven that women exhibit more severe fear and anxiety than men when faced with intimidating situations. In my opinion, this could be as a result of gender roles and cultural influences. Women have always taken the role of being more fragile while men are considered strong and are required to protect their families. Such stereotypes could be the reason women have increased the severity of SAD than men. However, the reason for the increased prevalence in women is still not scientifically proven. Various studies have alluded to the genetic factors and female reproductive hormones as the main contributing factors to the above prevalence. However, these studies are largely based on assumptions and remain inconclusive (Rohan p.30). Social Anxiety Disorder has no medicated cure. It is treated with behavioral care and therapies that assist in improving the social behavior of those affected. These therapies and interventions have proved to be highly effective in those suffering from SAD. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychotherapy are the most commonly used therapies and help the patient replace unreasonable fears with balanced beliefs. The therapist offers treatment by relying on structured skilled oriented training sessions so as to improve the patients’ social skills and behavior. Another method of treatment is supported self-help; however this method only works for patients who are not severely affected. Sometimes, doctors prescribe medication to help with depression and also relieve symptoms of social anxiety. Medication is only considered helpful once used alongside therapy and other self-help programs. The common type of medication used for SAD includes antidepressants that are used when anxiety is debilitating and severe. Beta blockers are used for blocking adrenaline flow when anxious thus relieving anxiety. Lastly, Benzodiazepines are administered for achieving fast acting anti-anxiety (Henderson p.70). Although there are no clear indications of what might cause someone to develop SAD, there are several steps one can take to reduce the anxiety. These steps include; seeking help early to help prevent the occurrence of severe cases, seeking counseling for any traumatic events in our past and eliminating risk factors such as bullying. The above can be done by educating people and devising programs that target at-risk population. In conclusion, the reports show that the past belief that Social anxiety disorder was triggered by past traumatic incidences is insufficient. The development of Social Anxiety disorders can be seen to be affected by biological causes, environmental causes, and psychological causes. The prevalence of SAD can also be observed to vary across different cultural, socio-economic, ethnic and gender groups. From the report, it can be observed that treatment of SAD can only be achieved through therapy and self-help programs. Medication only works when administered alongside therapy. Works Cited Antony, Martin M., and Karen A. Rowa. Social Anxiety Disorder. Cambridge, MA: Hogrefe & Huber, 2008. Print Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM-5. 5th ed. Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Association, 2013. Print. Henderson, Lynne, and Philip Zimbardo. "Shyness, Social Anxiety, and Social Anxiety Disorder."Social Anxiety: 65-92. Print Rohan, Kelly J. "Session 2: Symptoms, Prevalence, and Causes of SAD." A Cognitive-Behavioral Approach to Seasonal Affective Disorder Coping with the Seasons: Therapist Guide (2011): 29-38. Print Read More