This document summarizes information about social anxiety disorder. It states that 15 million Americans experience social anxiety, with symptoms typically beginning around age 13. It describes the signs and symptoms of social anxiety disorder and notes that it is equally common in men and women. The document discusses possible causes, risk factors, and effective treatment options such as cognitive behavioral therapy.

1. A presentation by
Jennifer Hedin
September 28,
2015

2. • 15 million people or 6.8% of Americans deal with
social anxiety
• Equally common between men and women
• Symptoms typically begin around the age of 13
• 36% of people experience symptoms for 10 or
more years before seeking help.

3. A feeling of misgiving, agitation and concern,
typically about an imminent event with an uncertain
outcome.
A nervous disorder characterized by a state of
excessive uneasiness, apprehension, nervousness,
and anguish, typically with panic attacks or
compulsive behavior.
FearfulnessAgitationWorry
ConcernTensionMisgiving

4. Depth of Social Anxiety
• Twice the chance of dual
diagnosis compared to
other anxiety disorders.
• Very high rate of existing
with other mental health
problems-
major depression,
generalized anxiety
disorder, PTSD, panic
disorder, substance
abuse and attempted
suicide all prevalent
• Abandoned educations,
dead-end jobs and career
choice suffers.
• Fear of personal
relationships, staying in
unfulfilling relationships,
never leaving home.
• Limited to nonexistent
social support.

5. Possible Causes of Social Anxiety
Social Anxiety is likely from the interaction of
environment and genes. Possible causes include:
• Brain structure- People who have an overactive
amygdala may have a heightened fear response,
causing increased anxiety in social situations.
• Environment. There may be an association between
social anxiety disorder and parents who are more
controlling or protective of their children.
• Inherited traits- Some may be due to genetics and
some may be due to learned
behavior.

6. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Excessive Worry
Irritability
Sleep Disturbance
Poor Concentration
Restlessness
Muscle Tension
Fatigue

7. Social Anxiety Risk Factors
• Family history- You're more likely to develop social
anxiety disorder if your biological parents or siblings
have the condition.
• Negative experiences- If you’ve experienced teasing,
bullying, rejection, ridicule, humiliation, family conflict
or sexual abuse, you may be more prone to social
anxiety disorder
• Temperament- Children who are shy, timid, withdrawn
or restrained when facing new situations or people.

8. Anxiety Triggers
• Having a health condition that draws attention-
Facial disfigurement, stuttering, Parkinson's disease
and other health conditions can increase feelings of
self-consciousness and may be a trigger.
• New social or work demands- Meeting new people,
giving a speech or making an important work
presentation may trigger social anxiety disorder
symptoms for the first time. These symptoms usually
have their roots in adolescence, however.

9. - Exercise During the Day
- Participate in Favorite Activities
- Avoid Caffeine
- Avoid Tobacco
- Avoid Unhealthy Drug or Alcohol
Use
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Time Management Techniques
- Keep A Journal

10. Herbal –
Lemon Balm- lessens stress and
increased calmness and
alertness
Chamomile- may cause allergic
reaction (ragweed relative)
Lavender- oral intake increases
sedative affect, also may give
headaches, scent has calming
effect
Valerian- mixed review due to no
long term studies

11. Benzodiazepines-
have a very sedating
effect
Beta Blockers-
like Propranolal, get
your Doctor’s advice
first
SSRIs- including
Prozac and Zoloft,
though can create
opposite effects
Venlafaxin- some
annoying side effects
yet is promising

12. • The prognosis for persons with untreated
social anxiety is poor.
In most cases, these individuals become
long-term underachievers, at high risk for
alcoholism, major depression, and suicide.
• The prognosis for recovery from social anxiety
of those diagnosed and treated is much better
Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment
along with facing fears and the will to try are key
to recovery.

13. Minneapolis Mt. Olivet - Meets Fridays, at 6:30-8:00 p.m.,
at Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church, 5025 Knox Ave. S., Contact
Kim at 651-280-8527
Minneapolis North - Meets Fridays, 2:30-4:00 p.m., at
Northside CSP, 1309 Girard Ave. N., Contact Don: 651-334-
1778
Minneapolis South - Meets Wednesdays, 5:45-7:15 p.m., at
Vail Place, 1412 West 36th St., Contact Jack: 612-310-3628
Minneapolis (LGBTQAI - Lesbian, Gay/Genderqueer,
Bisexual, Transgender, Ally, Questioning/Queer, Intersexed) -
Meets Saturdays, 1:00-2:30, at Living Table United Church of
Christ, 4001 38th Avenue South, Contact David at 612-920-
3925.

14. • Lowry Hill Psychotherapy & Assessment Center
1910 Hennepin Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55403
Phone: 612-871-2544 / Fax: 612-814-0668
• Hennepin County Medical Center – Outpatient
Adult Psychiatry
914 South 8th Street - Shapiro Building
Minneapolis, MN 55404 / 612-873-2218

15. • http://www.anxieties.com/152/introduction-common-
medications-for-anxiety-disorders#.VfcaUE1RHs0
• http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-
conditions/anxiety/basics/
• http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/tc/anxiety-
prevention
• http://www.namihelps.org/support/support-groups.html
• http://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/effects-on-body