Social Anxiety
Overview
Social anxiety disorder is a chronic mental health condition characterized by an intense and persistent fear of social or performance situations where an individual may be scrutinized or judged by others. People with social anxiety often experience extreme nervousness or panic during everyday interactions, such as speaking up in class or at work, attending social gatherings, or meeting new people, due to fear of embarrassment or rejection. The disorder typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood and, if untreated, can interfere significantly with daily functioning, relationships, academic achievement, and career progression.
Signs & Symptoms
• Fear of Judgment: An overwhelming fear that others are watching and negatively judging you, including worries about saying something wrong or being perceived poorly.
• Worry About Embarrassment: Intense anxiety about potentially humiliating yourself in social situations, which often leads to avoidance of activities where embarrassment could occur.
• Anticipatory Anxiety: Heightened anxiety in the days or hours before a feared social event, often accompanied by ruminating and dread about the upcoming situation.
• Avoidance of Social Situations: Actively avoiding social engagements such as gatherings, classes, meetings, or even eating in public to escape intense fear of scrutiny.
• Physical Panic Symptoms: Experiencing physical signs of anxiety during social interactions, such as blushing, sweating, trembling, a pounding heart, nausea, or dizziness, which may themselves become sources of further anxiety.
• Difficulty Speaking: Trouble initiating or maintaining conversations due to a shaky voice or fear that your mind will go blank.
• Post-Event Rumination: Excessively analyzing social interactions after the fact, focusing on perceived mistakes or awkward moments, often leading to increased distress.
• Significant Distress or Impairment: Anxiety or avoidance behaviors that substantially interfere with daily life, such as difficulty attending work or school, or maintaining relationships.
When to Seek Help
Professional help should be considered if fear and avoidance of social situations cause significant distress or impair your quality of life. If anxiety leads to missed opportunities, difficulty performing at work or school, or substantial isolation, consulting a mental health provider can be highly beneficial. Early intervention improves symptom management and can prevent complications such as depression or worsening social withdrawal.
Treatment Approaches
A psychiatric nurse practitioner will:
1. Evaluate & Diagnose
A thorough evaluation by a psychiatric provider includes assessing symptom severity, social history, and co-occurring conditions such as panic disorder, depression, and others. Education about the nature of social anxiety and its psychological and physiological effects is provided to help patients understand their symptoms. Treatment plans are individualized and often include referrals to evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or exposure therapy. These therapies focus on building social skills, challenging negative thought patterns, managing anxiety symptoms through relaxation techniques, and gradually facing feared social situations to build confidence.
2. Prescribe & Monitor Medication
Medications can play a key role in reducing symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are generally considered first-line treatments due to their effectiveness and tolerability. These medications help regulate brain chemicals involved in anxiety, though they often require several weeks to achieve full benefit. Providers monitor medication effects, adjust dosages, and manage any side effects over time. For situational anxiety spikes, such as public speaking, beta-blockers or short-acting anxiolytics may be used cautiously to control physical symptoms like shaking or rapid heartbeat. Medication is most effective when combined with therapy and behavioral strategies.
3. Provide or Coordinate Psychotherapy
Optimal treatment for social anxiety typically combines medication with psychotherapy. Psychiatric providers work collaboratively with therapists to monitor progress, adapt treatments, and provide ongoing encouragement. Regular follow-ups allow for adjustments based on new challenges and reinforce coping skills. With consistent care, individuals often experience a meaningful reduction in anxiety, gaining the ability to participate in social and professional activities that previously felt overwhelming.
Coordinate Ongoing Care
Work with therapists, primary care, and support networks to address both biological and psychosocial needs.
Support & Next Steps | YOU Psychiatry Clinic
At YOU Psychiatry Clinic, we are committed to providing compassionate, expert mental health care. Here’s what you need to know as you take the next step toward wellness.
1. Seeking an Evaluation
If you’re considering psychiatric care, our team is here to guide you. We provide comprehensive evaluations for anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorder, and other mental health concerns.
2. Insurance & Payment Information
We accept most major insurance plans and offer out-of-network billing options.
Self-pay rates and affordable monthly payment plans are available for those without insurance.
Contact our office for specific coverage details.
3. Schedule An Appointment
Our team is ready to support you. We offer in-person, hybrid, and online psychiatry with immediate intake availability. Reach out to book your initial consultation today.
📍 Clinic Address: 110 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2500, Chicago, IL 60606
📞 Phone: 708-765-6340
📧 Email: admin@youpsychiatryclinic.org
🌐 Fax: 708-273-5527
4. What to Expect During Your First Visit
Our approach includes a detailed discussion of your medical and mental health history, followed by personalized treatment recommendations—whether that involves therapy, medication, or lifestyle adjustments. We pride ourselves on offering a supportive, judgment-free environment where you can feel comfortable and truly heard.