Social Anxiety Disorder Center

Is there medication that helps Social Anxiety Disorder?

What is SAD?

Social anxiety disorder is a serious form of social phobia where a person has an extreme and unfounded fear of social situations, to the point where it impairs and interferes with the normal activities of their life. It can be diagnosed as a specific disorder, when certain places or experiences trigger the fear, or a generalized disorder that results in anxiety and fear of being judged by others or of embarrassing oneself in public.

Social anxiety disorder is treated by psychotherapy, medications, or a combination of both. Social Anxiety Disorder Centers exists to specialize in treating this disorder, and one benefit of a Social Anxiety Disorder Center like the Social Anxiety Disorder Center Los Angeles is the availability of group therapy and more specialized treatment for this specific condition, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with a professional used to working with SAD patients.

What medicinal treatments help SAD?

The most common medications used to treat social anxiety disorder are the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. These may include Paxil, Zoloft, Lovox, Prozac, Sarafem or other similar medications. Another medication that may be used as a first-line treatment is Effoxor, which is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor or SNRI. These are usually started at a low dose and gradually increased as needed, in order to minimize side effects, and may take a few months to cause a noticeable improvement.

Other medications used for treatment or to reduce symptoms may include other types of antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications including benzodiazepines, and beta blockers in some cases. A licensed psychologist or a treatment team at a Social Anxiety Disorder Center can prescribe and monitor the medication most suited to a patient’s particular symptoms and type of social anxiety disorder.

What is the prognosis for SAD?

The prognosis for SAD is generally good. With several effective medications, a high success rate for treatment with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Social Anxiety Disorder Centers for those requiring more comprehensive help, most people are able to manage their condition and successfully interact in most social situations.

If you suffer from social anxiety disorder, know that treatment is available and is usually successful. You may talk to your doctor or psychologist or seek out a resource such as the Social Anxiety Disorder Center Los Angeles for help. Find a therapist you are comfortable with, stick to any medication plan and do not try to change your own dosage or stop it abruptly, and follow the treatment plan you are given and you can manage your SAD successfully.