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Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
at Caritas Behavioral Health in Columbia, MD
GAD, known as Generalized Anxiety Disorder, is a common mental health challenge characterized by persistent and excessive worry.
While experiencing anxiety occasionally is normal, the consuming worries of GAD can impede everyday tasks like work, schooling, and interpersonal relationships.
GAD can lead to considerable distress, but effective treatments exist. It's crucial to consult a professional to devise a personalized treatment plan that caters to individual needs. Proper treatment allows those with GAD to alleviate excessive worry and enhance their overall quality of life.
What is Social Anxiety Disorderer?
People with social anxiety disorder often feel an intense fear and anxiety when it comes to social interactions, like having conversations, meeting new people, or performing in front of others. They're worried about being seen in a negative light, fearing things like embarrassment or rejection.
This concern often means they stress before, during, and after social events. Many might even stay away from certain social situations altogether or go through them feeling very anxious, which can disrupt their everyday life.
It's important to note that social anxiety disorder is different from just being shy. While shy people might feel uneasy around others, they don't necessarily feel the deep fear and stress that someone with social anxiety disorder does.
In the case of this disorder, the anxiety is way more than what the situation calls for, affecting a person's daily life.
Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder
The key symptom of social anxiety disorder is an excessive, unfounded fear of various social scenarios. Individuals with this disorder often struggle with excessive self-consciousness and worry excessively about others' perceptions.
They may avoid specific social settings like public eating or speaking with strangers. Even when participating in social activities, they endure intense fear and anxiety, often accompanied by physical symptoms. After such encounters, they tend to dwell on negative aspects of their interactions.
How is Social Anxiety Disorder diagnose ?
At Caritas Behavioral Health Services LLC , the diagnosis of social anxiety disorder is carried out through a comprehensive clinical evaluation performed by our skilled mental health professionals.
Your dedicated Caritas Behavioral Health Services LLC provider will engage in a meaningful conversation with you, delving into your experiences in social settings, assessing your symptoms, and establishing whether you meet the diagnostic criteria for this condition.
These criteria encompass:
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Persistent and profound fear or anxiety related to specific social situations, driven by the fear of embarrassment or humiliation.
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Avoidance of social circumstances that induce intense anxiety or fear.
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Experience of excessive anxiety that is disproportionately intense compared to the situation at hand.
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Anxiety of such severity that it disrupts your daily life, including work or school.
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Fear or anxiety that cannot be more adequately explained by a medical condition or substance use.
If you suspect that you or a loved one may be grappling with social anxiety disorder, the initial and most crucial step is to engage with a mental health professional. They are equipped to guide you in comprehending your symptoms, arriving at an accurate diagnosis, and assisting you in discovering suitable anxiety treatment options.
Medication Management
For tackling Social Anxiety Disorder, combining medication with therapy is often recommended. Our specialists curate a treatment plan tailored to your specific symptoms and needs. Regularly tracking your progress and adjusting medication accordingly is vital to ensure the best possible outcome.
Talk Therapy
Also known as psychotherapy, talk therapy serves as an effective treatment for various conditions, including Social Anxiety Disorder. As it can take several forms, you and your therapist can choose the most suitable method based on your condition and symptoms. If necessary, talk therapy can complement medications and other treatments.
