Tenex (generic Guanfacine) is a medication that has been used for years as a mild antihypertensive. In the body and in the lower brain centers it reduces the release of norepinephrine (sometimes called noradrenalin). In the prefrontal cortex in the front of the brain it decreases sensitivity to distracting stimuli […]
Social Anxiety Disorder
10 posts
Social anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive fear and or avoidance of situations in which an individual believes he or she may be the subject of evaluation or scrutiny while interacting with other people or performing a specific task. The central theme of the disorder is the fear of negative […]
DSM IV CRITERIA FOR SAD A. A marked and persistent fear of one or more social or performance situations in which the person is exposed to unfamiliar people or to possible scrutiny by others. The individual fears that he or she will act in a way (or show anxiety symptoms) […]
? Overestimates scrutiny by others • Embarrassment, humiliation, and rejection over sensitivity • Preoccupation with other’s perceptions and/or responses • Certainty of negative evaluations • Discounts personal achievements and over-emphasizes failures
When a stranger walks into a nursery full of toddlers, most of them stop playing, look at the stranger for a few seconds, and then resume playing. About 10% of the toddlers are overly shy or inhibited and will not resume play until the stranger leaves. Another 10-15% are outgoing. […]
Paxil was the first SSRI approved for generalized social anxiety. It may be more effective than the other SSRI’s, (Prozac, Celexa, Lexapro, Zoloft). The CR formula of Paxil is better tolerated than regular Paxil. Effexor XR and Zoloft were recently approved by the FDA for SAD also. The SSRI’s and […]
• Small group participation • Eating, drinking, writing in public • Talking to authority figures • Public speaking, performing • Attending formal family events • Being observed working • Meeting strangers • Using public restrooms • Being center of attention
• Stuttering • Butterflies • Sweating • Palpitations • Trembling/shaking
Cognitive behavioral therapy has proven to be very effective in treating social anxiety disorder. Behavioral therapy focuses on specific steps to lessen anxiety and reduce the likelihood of recurrence. The patient is asked to face the thing they fear (exposure), and not avoid to cope with the situation. Patients must […]
• 40-50% of people with SAD also have depression • SAD is the most common anxiety disorder • 13% of the population will have SAD in their lifetime • 50% of those with SAD do not finish high school • 22.3% of those with SAD are on welfare • 50% […]