Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment
Social interactions shouldn’t feel like a constant source of fear, but for individuals with social anxiety disorder, even everyday conversations can feel overwhelming.
If you find yourself avoiding social situations, worried about being judged or embarrassed, you’re not alone. Millions of people silently struggle with the emotional weight of social anxiety disorder.
At Hanley Center, we understand how isolating and exhausting this condition can be. Whether it’s speaking in front of a group or simply attending a social gathering, these challenges can interfere with your relationships, work, and self-esteem.
The good news is that we provide effective, evidence-based treatment.
Keep reading to learn more about social anxiety disorder symptoms, causes, and personalized treatment options, or contact us today to take the first step toward confidence and connection.
What is Social Anxiety Disorder?
Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is a mental health condition characterized by an intense and persistent fear of social situations.
Unlike other anxiety disorders, this fear typically centers around being judged, criticized, or rejected. The anxiety felt in these moments can be debilitating and cause significant distress.
For some, it’s limited to a few scenarios, such as public speaking. For others, it impacts nearly every social interaction.
Social anxiety often begins during adolescence and can persist into adulthood if left untreated.
MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS
What Causes Social Anxiety Disorder?
There’s no single cause of social anxiety disorder. Instead, it typically results from a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors, including:
- A family history of anxiety disorders
- Traumatic social experiences such as bullying, ridicule, or rejection
- Overactive amygdala function, which plays a role in processing fear
- Learned behaviors from parents or caregivers who model fear in social situations
Risk Factors for Developing Social Anxiety
Some individuals may be more likely to develop social anxiety due to specific life experiences or personality traits. Common risk factors include:
- Shyness or behavioral inhibition in childhood
- A history of trauma or emotional neglect
- Living with a co-occurring disorder, such as depression or generalized anxiety disorder
- Experiencing chronic stress or major life transitions
Understanding your personal risk factors can provide valuable context for the challenges you’re facing and help shape your recovery plan.
How Social Anxiety Differs from Shyness
While shyness is a common trait, social anxiety disorder goes beyond feeling a little uncomfortable.
Shyness doesn’t usually disrupt daily life, while social anxiety often leads to avoidance behaviors and intense fear that interferes with functioning.
If social discomfort prevents you from attending events, speaking up, or forming connections, it may be time to explore treatment options.
Recognizing Social Anxiety Disorder Symptoms
It’s not always easy to recognize when social discomfort has become a mental health disorder.
If you’re wondering whether your symptoms may indicate something more, look for the following signs:
- Intense fear or anxiety in social situations
- Avoiding eye contact or speaking in front of others
- Physical symptoms like sweating, trembling, rapid heart rate, or nausea
- Fear of being judged, embarrassed, or humiliated
- Avoidance of social events, school, or work functions
- Anticipatory anxiety days or weeks before an event
Understanding these social anxiety disorder symptoms is the first step in getting the help you deserve.
Types of Social Anxiety Disorders
Social anxiety can manifest in different ways depending on the person and the context. Identifying your specific type helps determine the most effective treatment plan.
General Social Anxiety Disorder
Individuals with general social anxiety disorder experience persistent anxiety in a wide range of social situations, including casual conversations and group settings. This ongoing fear can make it difficult to function in everyday life and often leads to chronic distress.
Performance-Specific Social Anxiety
Some people only experience anxiety in performance-based situations, such as public speaking, interviews, or performing on stage. Even if they’re comfortable in other social settings, these specific moments can trigger intense distress.
The Connection Between Social Anxiety Disorder and Substance Use
When social fears become too painful to manage, some individuals may turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to cope. This is especially common in social settings where the pressure to interact feels high.
Unfortunately, substance use may provide only temporary relief and often leads to a cycle of dependency and deepened anxiety.
At Hanley Center, we specialize in treating co-occurring disorders, including social anxiety and substance use disorder. Our integrated treatment approach helps patients manage both conditions simultaneously for long-term healing and resilience.
Diagnosis and Criteria for Social Anxiety Disorder
Diagnosing social anxiety disorder begins with a thorough clinical evaluation by a qualified mental health professional. This process typically includes in-depth interviews and behavioral assessments to understand the nature, frequency, and severity of your symptoms.
According to the DSM-5, a diagnosis of social anxiety disorder requires:
- Persistent fear or anxiety in one or more social situations
- Avoidance or intense distress in these situations
- Interference with daily functioning (work, school, relationships)
- Symptoms lasting at least six months
- Symptoms not better explained by another condition or substance use
If you’re experiencing these challenges, receiving a formal diagnosis can provide clarity and open the door to effective, personalized treatment.
Effective Treatment Options for Social Anxiety Disorder
You don’t have to face social anxiety alone.
At Hanley Center, we provide compassionate, evidence-based treatment tailored to your unique experiences and needs. Whether you’re navigating severe social anxiety disorder or seeking support for milder symptoms, our team is here to help you reclaim your confidence.
Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment: Therapy & Medication
Treatment for social anxiety may include a combination of therapy, medication, and supportive care. Common options include:
- Antidepressants (SSRIs or SNRIs) to reduce anxiety symptoms
- Anti-anxiety medications prescribed and monitored by professionals
- Psychotherapy, including individual and group sessions
Each care plan at Hanley Center is personalized to address both the mental health and potential substance use needs of every patient.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Social Anxiety
CBT is one of the most effective approaches for managing social anxiety disorder. This therapy helps individuals identify and gradually face negative thought patterns and feared situations.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you:
- Reframe irrational fears
- Develop healthier coping strategies
- Increase confidence in social environments
Over time, CBT builds resilience and empowers individuals to face social situations without overwhelming fear.
Lifestyle Changes & Self-Help Strategies
In addition to professional care, lifestyle modifications can support your recovery journey and may include:
- Practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques
- Regular physical activity to reduce overall anxiety
- Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake
- Journaling or tracking progress and triggers
- Building a daily routine that promotes structure and confidence
These strategies, while not a replacement for therapy, can complement your treatment and foster long-term stability.
Group Therapy and Support Options
Group therapy offers a supportive environment where individuals with social anxiety can practice social interactions in a safe, nonjudgmental setting.
At Hanley Center, we offer structured group sessions that foster healing through shared experiences, skill-building, and peer encouragement.
When paired with individual therapy, group support can accelerate progress and reduce feelings of isolation.
Start Your Social Anxiety Recovery Journey Today at Hanley Center
You deserve a life of connection, not avoidance.
If social anxiety is limiting your life or interfering with your relationships, it’s time to take the first step toward healing.
At Hanley Center, we provide compassionate and comprehensive care for social anxiety disorder, whether it exists on its own or alongside a substance use disorder.
Our team is ready to help you rediscover your voice and confidence. Call us at (561) 841-1033 or contact us online to begin your recovery journey today.
Insurance Can Cover up to 100% of Treatment
We offer free, no obligation health insurance benefit checks. If you are currently insured, your treatment could be covered partially or in full.
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Address: 933 45th Street
West Palm Beach, FL 33407
