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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Social Anxiety?

I think I might have social anxiety, I've taken a lot of tests on websites and many of them say I do. I feel very worried about doing normal things in life and I worry myself so juch worm times to the extent hat I get ill. I worry about answering my name in the register and nothing scares me more than talking infront of a group of people, my heart started pounding and I can't catch my breath. I worry about what people think of me and I'm really self conscious. I tend to block people out a lot because I haven't got the guts to answer them. It really affects my life as I can't seem to be confident enough to do what other people seem to do easily
Fri, 28 Aug 2015
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern. The symptoms you have mentioned like fear to speak in front of people, racing heart rate and breathlessness especially in social situations, feeling that what people will think about you or fear of judgement, poor social interactions and avoiding social situations etc suggest social anxiety disorder most probably. You have also underwent online tests which also confirmed the diagnosis. Still for proper evaluation you should consult a psychiatrist. Many neurochemical, psychological, environmental, genetic factors together contribute to social anxiety.

As these symptoms are causing significant distress so I'd advise you to consult a psychiatrist for evaluation. Medicines like SSRIs if used regularly can help to reduce the symptoms. Sertraline, Escitalopram, Fluoxetine etc are approved drugs for anxiety associated with social situations. For social situations and other anxiety provoking situations medicines like Propranolol or Atenolol can help. These medicines when taken about half to one hour before any anxiety provoking situation result in reduction of anxiety. Please visit a psychiatrist for prescription of these drugs.

Thanks, Hope this helps you. Take care

Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi,
Psychiatrist.
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What Causes Social Anxiety?

Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries I can understand your concern. The symptoms you have mentioned like fear to speak in front of people, racing heart rate and breathlessness especially in social situations, feeling that what people will think about you or fear of judgement, poor social interactions and avoiding social situations etc suggest social anxiety disorder most probably. You have also underwent online tests which also confirmed the diagnosis. Still for proper evaluation you should consult a psychiatrist. Many neurochemical, psychological, environmental, genetic factors together contribute to social anxiety. As these symptoms are causing significant distress so I d advise you to consult a psychiatrist for evaluation. Medicines like SSRIs if used regularly can help to reduce the symptoms. Sertraline, Escitalopram, Fluoxetine etc are approved drugs for anxiety associated with social situations. For social situations and other anxiety provoking situations medicines like Propranolol or Atenolol can help. These medicines when taken about half to one hour before any anxiety provoking situation result in reduction of anxiety. Please visit a psychiatrist for prescription of these drugs. Thanks, Hope this helps you. Take care Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi, Psychiatrist.