Treatment for social anxiety usually involves therapy, medication, or both. Many people opt for therapy alone due to the potential side effects of medication and the need for long-term use.
People with social anxiety often feel symptoms of anxiety in situations where they may be scrutinized or judged by others. These situations include:
- speaking in public
- meeting new people
- attending a dinner party or other social function
Symptoms of anxiety disorder may fluctuate over time, but often worsen during times of stress or change. Avoiding situations that cause anxiety may feel helpful in the short term, but the cause and symptoms of anxiety are likely to remain without treatment.
Treatment for social anxiety usually involves psychotherapy (talk therapy or counseling) and medication. Support groups and healthy lifestyle habits may also be helpful for managing symptoms.
Many people choose to use therapy alone in order to avoid the unwanted side effects of medications and the need to take them long-term.
In addition, research generally shows that psychotherapy is more effective than medications for social anxiety, and that adding medications does not significantly improve outcomes.
Psychotherapy for anxiety disorders
Doctors commonly recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to treat social anxiety disorder. CBT helps you identify and replace negative learned behaviors, and teaches different ways of thinking, behaving, and reacting to stressful situations.
Research has found CBT to be highly effective for treating anxiety disorders.
Medication for anxiety disorders
Medications for anxiety disorder include:
- Benzodiazepines: alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan) can help relax your muscles and calm your mind, but they can be habit-forming and may cause drowsiness and memory issues.
- Antidepressants: escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac), and sertraline (Zoloft) are often prescribed for anxiety, but they take 4 to 6 weeks to increase your serotonin levels and produce noticeable effects.
Medications do not cure social anxiety. Instead, they help you manage symptoms. They can cause side effects and may affect other medications you’re taking.
Support groups and healthy habits
Joining a support group for people with social anxiety may be helpful. In this safe setting, you can receive unbiased feedback about how others perceive you, and you may learn that your beliefs about judgment and rejection may not be true or are exaggerated.
Practicing a healthy lifestyle, such as getting enough sleep, regular exercise, and a healthy diet, may also help with symptoms of anxiety.
Talk with a doctor
A medical professional can help you find the best course of treatment for your social anxiety. They’ll take into account your individual needs and preferences and work closely with you to develop an effective plan that may or may not include medications.