How is social phobia treated?
Disease description:
I have social phobia, which troubles me a lot. In crowded situations, I become extremely nervous, blush, experience a rapid heartbeat, and even stutter when speaking. Normally, I also dare not initiate conversations with others for fear of embarrassing myself. I wonder if there is any way to help me overcome this fear quickly?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Baohua
Social phobia, also known as social anxiety disorder, is a common mental illness characterized primarily by extreme nervousness in social situations, fear of being judged, and worry about embarrassing oneself. The following methods are commonly used to treat social phobia:
1. Medication: Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may be used to help alleviate symptoms.
2. Cognitive-behavioral therapy: This involves exposure therapy, cognitive restructuring, and social skills training to help patients improve their social skills and boost their social confidence.
3. Psychodynamic psychotherapy: This approach analyzes the psychological causes behind anxiety, aims to change internal states, and enhances interpersonal security and confidence.
4. Exposure therapy: This method involves gradually exposing patients to feared social situations to reduce fear.
5. Coping strategies: These include relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and mindfulness meditation, communicating with others who have similar experiences, and building self-confidence.
