Social anxiety disorder is a psychological disorder that is quite prevalent but not well understood. According to the DSM-5 social anxiety disorder is a psychological state in which a person experiences fear or anxiety in social situations which ultimately affects a persons normal life. Social anxiety disorder is sometimes mistaken for shyness but it is far more debilitating than shyness.
The medication used to treat social anxiety disorder is intended to help overcome the anxiety which ultimately enables the person to perform better in social situations. When social anxiety disorder is at its worst affecting a persons work, school or social interactions it is treated at this stage.
What Is Social Anxiety Disorder?
Social anxiety disorder according to the DSM-5 is a psychological state in which a person experiences fear or anxiety in social situations in which the sufferer is likely to face criticism from other people in society. Examples of situations that make the sufferer feel this way include:
Speaking in front of people
Attending a party or a meeting
Eating in front of people
People who suffer from social anxiety disorder tend to be extremely self conscious worrying a lot about situations.
Common Symptoms of Social Anxiety
The symptoms of social anxiety disorder can be classified into emotional symptoms physical symptoms and behavioral symptoms which include:
Emotional Symptoms: Fear of being embarrassed, lack of confidence, worries too much
Physical Symptoms: Sweating, shaking, increased rate of heartbeat, blushing
Behavioral Symptoms: Avoidance of social situations, difficulty in maintaining eye contact
The social anxiety disorder test will assist in determining the severity of social anxiety disorder, which will assist in making a better decision in determining the course of action to be adopted. This is usually a questionnaire which could be the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale or the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN).
Prevalence of Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder affects 7% of the adult population in the US annually. This makes it one of the most common anxiety disorders. Social anxiety disorder occurs in the teenage years and continues into the adult years if left untreated.
When Doctors Recommend Medications for Social Anxiety Disorder
It is not necessary for everyone to use medications to treat their social anxiety disorder. Doctors may recommend the use of medications to treat people suffering from social anxiety disorder when the condition is of a moderate or severe nature especially when the symptoms of the disorder are not relieved by undergoing psychotherapy.
Signs That Medication for Social Anxiety Disorder Is Necessary
You may need to use a medication to treat your social anxiety disorder when:
The symptoms of the social anxiety disorder are affecting your work or school
You are an extreme avoider
You are undergoing emotional pain despite undergoing psychotherapy
Using Medications and Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder
It is thought that the combination of medication therapy and therapy will help to alleviate the symptoms of social anxiety disorder more effectively. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is thought to be the standard therapy used to treat anxiety disorders including social anxiety disorder. Research has shown that the combination of medication therapy for social anxiety disorder and cognitive behavioral therapy may have more long term benefits than the use of either type of therapy alone.
First Line Medications Doctors Usually Prescribe for Social Anxiety Disorder
The first line medication used to treat social anxiety disorder is either an SSRI or an SNRI, as these two medications have been extensively studied over the decades.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
SSRIs are the first line medication used to treat social anxiety disorder which in turn increases the serotonin level in the human brain that produces a feeling of happiness or calmness in a person.
For example a study that was published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry showed that more than 60% of patients experienced a significant reduction in social anxiety disorder symptoms after using the SSRI medication for 12 weeks.
Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
Another type of medication used to treat social anxiety disorder is SNRIs especially when the individual is not able to use the SSRI medication. This type of medication is effective in the treatment of social anxiety disorder as it increases the level of two neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine in the human brain.
Medicines used to treat social anxiety disorder using the SNRIs type of medication are:
Venlafaxine: This type of medication has shown significant efficacy in the treatment of social anxiety disorder as revealed in the clinical studies.
Duloxetine: This medication helps relieve the symptoms of anxiety and depression in an individual.
Note: These drugs also have side effects like nausea dizziness and hypertension in the treatment of social anxiety disorders.
Other Medications Which May Be Used to Treat Social Anxiety Disorders
If the SSRI/SNRI drugs do not show the expected outcome other drugs may be used to treat social anxiety disorders.
Beta Blockers
Another drug which is used to treat social anxiety disorders is the beta blocker which uses propranolol and atenolol especially in the treatment of the physical symptoms of anxiety which include heart palpitations hand tremors etc. This drug is especially used in the treatment of performance related social anxiety disorders which include presentations speeches etc.
Note: According to a study done in 2018 the use of propranolol proved effective in reducing heart rates and anxiety levels during presentations.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines which include lorazepam and clonazepam act the fastest. However the drugs also come with their own risks which include addiction.
Note: Benzodiazepine drugs act the fastest within no time almost immediately. However the drugs cannot be used for long periods of time because they come with their own risks which include addiction. Benzodiazepine drugs are usually prescribed for short periods of time.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
MAOIs which include phenelzine are rarely used in the treatment of social anxiety disorders. However the drugs have been proven to act well in the treatment of social anxiety disorders.
Note: MAOIs come with their own risks which include food interactions. MAOIs are usually prescribed in the treatment of social anxiety disorders when all the other drugs including SSRIs SNRI and therapy fail.
How Doctors Determine the Right Medication for the Patient
The type of medication i.e. the type of med which is normally used for the treatment of social anxiety disorder is normally determined on an individual basis. Various factors are normally considered by the doctors when determining the best medication for the patients with social anxiety disorders.
Severity of Symptoms
People with mild symptoms are normally treated with therapy whereas those with moderate and severe symptoms are treated with medication.
Co Occurring Mental Health Conditions
People who suffer from other mental health disorders such as depression, panic disorders and generalized anxiety disorders can also be treated with medication as it has many benefits for the patients.
Medical History and Medication Response
The history of how people have previously responded to medication is normally considered by doctors when determining the best medication for the patients with social anxiety disorders.
Benefits of Medication in the Treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder
The benefits of the medication if it is used correctly in the treatment of social anxiety disorders, include the following:
Fear and avoidance in social situations are reduced
Boosts self confidence and normal functioning
Enhances the benefits of therapy
For example studies have proven that the use of SSRIs in the treatment of social anxiety disorders reduces avoidance behaviors in 70% of individuals thus enabling them to participate in social activities with ease.
Possible Side Effects of Social Anxiety Disorder Medications
SSRIs and SNRIs
The possible side effects of the medication include the following:
- Nausea and stomach upsets
- Headaches
- Sleep difficulties
- Sex problems
Benzodiazepines
The possible side effects of the medication include the following:
Drowsiness
Impaired memory
Addiction
Beta Blockers
The possible side effects of the medication include the following:
Fatigue
Dizziness
Low blood pressure
LSI Tip: Patients using a social anxiety disorder test periodically will monitor the progress of the therapy and the necessary changes in the medication.
How Long Treatment Usually Lasts
Lifestyle Strategies to Support Medication
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
This will enable the patient to cope with their condition. The combination of CBT and med is considered to be more effective than the use of each therapy individually in the treatment of social anxiety disorder.
Regular Exercise
It has been proven that exercise is effective in the treatment of anxiety disorders through the boosting of serotonin and the production of endorphins. Even 20 to 30 minutes of exercise each day will have a positive effect.
This will include meditation, yoga and breathing which will be useful in the treatment of the physical symptoms of anxiety disorder hence the medication therapy.
When to Talk to a Doctor
The reader should be advised to talk to a doctor when they experience the following:
The symptoms do not go away despite the medication
The side effects of the medication become difficult to cope with
If they are contemplating any changes in the medication dosage
This will have a positive impact on the health and well being of the sufferer, hence preventing any negative impact on their social life.
Key Takeaways About Social Anxiety Medications
The reader should be made aware of the following:
SSRIs and SNRIs are considered to be effective medication for treating social anxiety disorder
Beta blockers can also be used to alleviate symptoms of performance anxiety
Benzodiazepines can also be used in the treatment
Medications should always be accompanied by therapy
Monitoring is also essential in order to track the occurrence of any side effects and the efficacy of the medication
According to the {Mindvita article} it is always essential that the medication is under the prescription and guidance of a medical expert.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can medication alone cure social anxiety disorder?
Yes it is possible and the best results are obtained when therapy is also used in combination with the medication.
How long does it take for social anxiety medications to take effect?
It takes 4 to 6 weeks to notice the effects and the full benefits are felt after 8 to 12 weeks.
Are there any natural alternatives to medication for social anxiety?
Exercise, therapy etc. can also be used in combination with the medication but in severe cases of social anxiety disorder the patient has to take the medication in order to get the right kind of treatment.
How will I know what medication is best for me?
A medical expert will assess the severity of your symptoms, your medical history and other disorders and will then recommend the best and safest medication for your social anxiety disorder.
Can children and teenagers take medications for social anxiety disorder?
Yes they can but SSRIs are prescribed to them and therapy is also recommended in combination with the medication in order to get the right kind of treatment for the social anxiety disorder.
This content is for educational purposes only and not medical advice. Always consult a doctor.
