By Chrissy Amitrano
Graduate psychology student Joshua Nedlasi knows what it feels like to have his fear of being judged by others take control over his life.
“One time I had to give a speech in front of my class and I worked myself up so much that by the time it was my turn to go, I couldn’t speak. I just froze in front of everyone,” he said. “I withdrew from that class the next day.”
For nearly 15 million Americans, this intense fear of being around people is nothing new, according to the National Institute for Mental Health.
Social phobia, also referred to as social anxiety disorder, is diagnosed when a person persistently becomes overwhelmingly anxious or excessively self-conscious in everyday social situations. Their fear can become so severe that it affects school, work or other ordinary activities, which can make it hard to make and keep relationships, said the National Institute for Mental Health Web site.
People suffering from this disorder are often aware that their persistent thoughts are excessive and irrational, but are unable to overcome them. They dread a certain situation for days or weeks beforehand, are extremely uneasy during the encounter and worry about how they were perceived afterwards. Sometimes they just avoid the situation altogether.
“In class when answering a question, I’m worried about getting the answer wrong and looking stupid,” said political science major Alisha Powell. “So either I don’t answer or [if I do] I am 110 percent sure of the answer.”
“The distinguishing characteristic that sets social anxiety apart from normal social fears is the phobic person’s level of discomfort and constant avoidance of the feared situation,” said Raymond Tesar, professor of developmental psychology. “Many times the students repeatedly evaluate themselves as performing more poorly than they actually are.”
Social anxiety occurs equally in both men and women, and typically begins in late childhood or early adolescence. Onset or worsening of the disorder is usually caused by a traumatic social experience, but there is also some evidence that genetics may play a part.
“Many different psychology theorists attribute the causes of the disorder to a variety of reasons,” said Tesar. “There is the biological explanation of deficient activity of the neurotransmitter GABA, the Freudian notions of repression and displacement and many cognitive theorists believe that the disorder is caused by maladaptive assumptions which lead a person to view life situations as dangerous and unpredictable.”
GABA, or gamma aminobutyric acid, is usually an inhibitory neurotransmitter, according to “Neurotransmitters,” a psychology guide written by Dr. C. George Boeree at Shippensburg University. The guide explained “GABA acts like a brake to the excitatory neurotransmitters that lead to anxiety.” People with too little GABA tend to suffer from anxiety disorders, Boeree also wrote.
A vicious cycle begins to unfold as a person’s worrying causes them to have noticeable physical symptoms, which in turn makes them feel even more nervous. According to the National Institute for Mental Health, these symptoms can include, but are not limited to sweating, blushing, palpitations, nausea, stuttering and in some extreme cases, panic attacks.
“I usually get butterflies in my stomach and a little fidgety, because I want to answer but am worried about not being right,” said Powell.
Low self-esteem and depression often occur alongside social anxiety disorder, due to long periods of isolation and lack of personal connections from constantly avoiding social encounters.
“I’ve known people who had trouble adjusting, especially in regards to making friends,” said Powell. “They would just stay in their rooms most of the time instead of trying to get involved.”
Social phobics are also at an increased risk for developing a substance abuse problem. They often depend on drugs and alcohol as a way to reduce their anxiety and ease their depression.
“Sometimes I feel like I won’t be comfortable at a party unless I’m drinking,” said undecided sophomore Danielle Canti. “I just feel weird initiating conversations, so it helps me relax a little.”
Early diagnosis is the best way to successfully overcome social anxiety disorder. One effective form of treatment is cognitive-behavioral therapy, in which the person is gradually exposed to social situations and practices changing their thinking patterns. Other treatment options include antidepressants and group therapy.
“Parents, teachers, and friends can try and place the students in a relaxed state and then encourage them to expose themselves to the dreaded social situations and remain with them until their fear subsides,” said Tesar.
“I was aware that something was wrong with me, and I couldn’t understand why it was so hard for me to go to class or parties like everyone else I saw,” said Nedlasi. “Once I found out this was a problem other people were having too, I was so relieved and finally able to get help.”
If you or someone you know is suffering from social anxiety, the University offers counseling services in the Saltzman Community Services Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (516) 463-6791.
(iStockPhoto)