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Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder

If you have any doubt about social problems, then read on for some helpful information. It's quite normal to experience nervousness at work or in the workplace, but many individuals who suffer from social anxiety disorder have heightened feelings of fear and heightened self-consciousness during their everyday lives. Here is a list of common social anxiety symptoms: These effects can occur during the anticipation of an event, during or after a social event. If you have such symptoms, you might need help with therapy.

At FamilyTime Centers, we understand how debilitating anxiety disorders can be, and we offer specialized anxiety services to help you overcome your symptoms. Whether you are struggling with social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), we are here to help. Our experienced mental health professionals offer a range of treatment options, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, and mindfulness meditation, among others.

Anxiety can manifest in physical symptoms, such as increased heart rate, sweating, and trembling. If left untreated, anxiety can lead to more serious mental health conditions, such as depression and mood disorders. Our licensed marriage and family therapist, Ronald Kaufman, PsyD, provides extensive training in anxiety management to help you develop coping skills to manage your symptoms.

Anxiety Disorders and Therapy Services

Our anxiety services are based on the latest research and clinical applications, such as fmri-based neurofeedback and non-judgmental commitment therapy. We offer computer technology and neurofeedback training to help you reduce anxiety by regulating your brain activity and brain wave patterns. Our goal is to provide you with a safe space to explore your anxiety-related conditions and work towards behavioral changes that will enable you to live a fulfilling life.

Anxiety Q & A

What is anxiety?

Worry, nervousness, and fear occur in response to distressing circumstances. But these negative emotions typically fade once the situation has resolved. Overwhelming and persistent feelings of anxiety, however, can indicate the presence of an anxiety disorder. 

Anxiety affects both children and adults. It can prevent you or your child from performing daily tasks, succeeding in school, maintaining friendships, and fulfilling work, school, or personal obligations. 

The most common type of anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), involves intense, ongoing feelings of anxiety about most aspects of life. Other types of anxiety include disorders such as social anxiety, panic disorder, and specific phobias. An anxiety disorder increases the risk of other mental health conditions, such as depression and substance abuse.

How can I tell if my child has anxiety?

When a child has an anxiety disorder, feelings of worry, fear, or nervousness may interfere with school, family life, and play activities. Your child may also have physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, or trouble sleeping.

Signs of an anxiety disorder in children may include:

• Irritability

• Emotional outbursts

• Separation anxiety

• Persistent worry about future activities and events

• Reluctance to attend school or social events

• Nervousness around other children or adults

• Intense fears of specific things or situations

Adults with anxiety also experience physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, trembling, sweating, headaches, and difficulty sleeping. 

If you often feel irritable, avoid social situations, feel more afraid or worried than a situation warrants, or constantly worry about the future, you could have an anxiety disorder. 

How can treatment improve anxiety?

No matter which type of anxiety disorder affects you or your child, you need personalized treatment. A customized treatment plan helps you to identify the source of your worries and learn how to redirect the negative thoughts and behaviors that keep you in a constant state of anxiety. 

At FamilyTime Centers, Dr. Kaufman begins with a comprehensive evaluation to assess your anxiety and determine your specific treatment needs. 

 Following your evaluation, Dr. Kaufman combines innovative treatments to create your individual treatment plan. Most patients who have anxiety respond well to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and BrainPaint® neurofeedback. Dr. Kaufman may also recommend eye movement desensitization and reprogramming (EMDR), and additional interventions. 

What triggers anxiety disorders?

There are many potential triggers for anxiety disorders, and these can vary depending on the individual. Some common triggers include:

1. Traumatic experiences: Trauma can lead to the development of anxiety disorders. Traumatic experiences may include physical or emotional abuse, natural disasters, accidents, or witnessing or experiencing violence.

2. Chronic stress: Prolonged periods of stress can lead to the development of anxiety disorders. Stressful life events such as divorce, job loss, or financial difficulties can also be triggers.

3. Genetics: Anxiety disorders can run in families, suggesting that genetics may play a role in their development.

4. Environmental factors: Exposure to certain environmental factors, such as toxins or pollution, may increase the risk of developing an anxiety disorder.

5. Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as heart disease or thyroid problems, can cause symptoms of anxiety.

6. Substance abuse: Substance abuse can lead to the development of anxiety disorders, as well as worsen symptoms in individuals who already have an anxiety disorder.

7. Medications: Certain medications, such as steroids or stimulants, can cause symptoms of anxiety.

It's important to note that anxiety disorders are complex and can be caused by a combination of factors. Identifying triggers and addressing them through therapy or other interventions can be an important step in managing anxiety symptoms.

Can Post-traumatic stress disorder cause generalized anxiety disorder?

Yes, it is possible for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to cause generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in some individuals. PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after an individual experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, such as combat, sexual assault, or a natural disaster. Symptoms of PTSD can include flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance of triggers related to the trauma.

GAD, on the other hand, is a condition characterized by excessive worry and anxiety about a variety of things in one's life, rather than being related to a specific trauma. However, research has shown that individuals with PTSD are more likely to also experience symptoms of GAD.

This may be due to the ongoing stress and hyperarousal that individuals with PTSD experience, which can make them more susceptible to developing anxiety disorders like GAD. Additionally, the intrusive thoughts and memories associated with PTSD can also contribute to anxiety and worry about a variety of things.

It is important for individuals with PTSD to receive proper treatment to manage their symptoms and prevent the development of other mental health conditions like GAD. This may involve a combination of medication, therapy, and other types of support.

Can neurofeedback treatment be effective for young adults with social phobia and intense fear caused by psychiatric disorders such as chronic PTSD?

There is growing evidence to suggest that neurofeedback treatment can be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and PTSD. A randomized controlled trial conducted on young adults with chronic PTSD found that those who received neurofeedback treatment showed significant improvement in their symptoms compared to those who received drug treatments. Additionally, psychological treatments such as exposure therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy have also been shown to be effective in treating social phobia and other anxiety disorders. However, it is important to consult with a licensed mental health professional to determine the most appropriate treatment for an individual's specific needs.

What is neurotherapy treatment for anxiety?

Neurofeedback is effective at treating anxiety and can help reduce pain and anxiety. “Anxiety never fades; neurofeedback is no magic pill.

However, neurofeedback is a non-invasive, drug-free, and evidence-based treatment option that uses EEG technology to train the brain to regulate its own activity. During a neurofeedback session, electrodes are attached to the scalp to measure brainwave activity, which is then displayed on a computer screen. The patient is then asked to perform certain tasks or activities, such as relaxation exercises or video games, while the computer provides feedback on their brainwave activity. Over time, the brain learns to regulate itself more effectively, leading to reduced anxiety symptoms. Neurofeedback treatment is safe, effective, and has no negative side effects, making it a popular treatment option for individuals with anxiety disorders.

How many neurofeedback sessions for anxiety?

Neurofeedback therapy has short-term benefits and long-lasting benefits in many ways. Typically, between thirty and forty sessions will help to consolidate brain activity. For maximum effect, sessions are needed twice a week.

It's important to note that the number of neurofeedback sessions required for anxiety can vary depending on the individual's specific needs and response to treatment. While some people may experience significant improvement in their symptoms after just a few sessions, others may require more sessions to achieve the desired results. As qualified mental health professionals, we can help determine the optimal number of sessions based your unique circumstances and needs.

What is the success rate of neurofeedback?

How can we improve our neurofeedback abilities? The success rates for neurofeedback are generally quoted from clinicians and in the literature for some conditions as 85-90%. Despite this, neurofeedback research is needed to establish the precise efficacy rate.

It is important to note that the success rate of neurofeedback therapy may vary depending on the individual and their specific condition. Some studies have reported a success rate of up to 90% for certain conditions, such as ADHD and anxiety. However, more research is needed to establish the precise efficacy rate of neurofeedback for various conditions. Additionally, the success of neurofeedback may also depend on factors such as the skill of the practitioner, the frequency of sessions, and the individual's willingness to engage in the therapy. Overall, neurofeedback has shown promising results as a non-invasive and effective treatment option for a variety of mental health conditions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, anxiety is a common mental health disorder that can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. It can affect individuals of all ages, from children to the elderly, and can be triggered by a variety of factors. However, the good news is that anxiety is treatable, and a variety of effective treatment options exist.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a widely used and effective treatment for anxiety. It helps individuals to identify negative thought patterns and replace them with more positive and realistic ones. CBT can be done one-on-one or in group therapy sessions.

Another effective treatment option for anxiety is medication. Medications such as antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and beta-blockers can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety. However, it's important to note that medication should always be prescribed and monitored by a qualified healthcare professional.

In addition to traditional treatment options, alternative therapies such as neurofeedback, mindfulness meditation, and yoga have been shown to help alleviate symptoms of anxiety. These therapies work by teaching individuals how to calm their minds and manage their stress levels.

Overall, seeking help for anxiety is an important step towards living a happier and healthier life. With the help of qualified mental health professionals and effective treatment options, individuals with anxiety can learn to manage their symptoms and live a fulfilling life. It's essential to remember that everyone's journey towards healing is unique, and it's important to find a treatment approach that works best for you.

Don't let anxiety stop you or your child from living life to its fullest. To schedule an evaluation, call FamilyTime Centers today or book an appointment online.