Social Anxiety Disorder
sosiaalinen ahdistussosiaalinen fobiasocial phobiasocial anxiety
Intense and persistent fear of social situations where the person fears being judged or humiliated.
Social anxiety disorder (social phobia) is one of the most common mental health disorders. It affects an estimated 5–10% of the population at some point in life.
Typical feared situations
- Performing or speaking in groups
- Meeting new people
- Eating in the company of others
- Talking on the phone
- Dealing with authority figures
- Being the center of attention
Symptoms
- Intense anxiety before and during social situations
- Blushing, sweating, trembling
- Belief that others are judging negatively
- Avoidance of situations
- Impact on work, studies, and relationships
Treatment
Social anxiety disorder is very treatable: - CBT: Dismantling safety behaviors, changing thought patterns, gradual exposure - Group CBT: Particularly effective, as the group provides a natural practice environment - Medication: SSRIs can help relieve symptoms - Kela rehabilitation psychotherapy is possible with a diagnosis