Potential Complications
- Low self-esteem
- Issues with being assertive
- Negative self-talk
- Hypersensitive to criticism
- Poor social skills
- Substance abuse
- Suicide or suicide attempts
- Isolation and difficult social relationships
- Low academic and employment achievement
Social Anxiety Disorder
“Marked fear of one or more social or performance
situations in which the person is exposed to the
possible scrutiny of others and fears he will act in a
way that will be humiliating.” – Amanda’s ppt
Treatment/Medications
- Social skills training
- Behavior therapy
- Cognitive therapy
- SSRIs (ex. Zoloft)
- SNRIs (ex. Effexor)
- MAOIs (ex. Eldepryl)
- Benzodiazepines (ex. Valium)
Anxiety is out of proportion to actual threat posed by situation.
Anxiety lasts > 6 months and significantly interferes with their daily life.
Will avoid common social situations, such as…
- Interacting with strangers
- Attending social gatherings
- Going to work or school
- Dating
- Shopping
- Starting conversations
- Making eye contact
Studies have found “hyperactivity of the amygdala even with
a weak form of symptoms provocation” in people with social
anxiety disorder.
Coping Skills/Prevention
- Getting help early
- Journaling
- Relaxation exercises
- Avoid unhealthy
substance use
- Diet, exercise, sleep
Nursing Interventions
- Maintain a calm environment
and manner
- Remain with client when
anxiety levels are high
- Establish a trusting/therapeutic
relationship (i.e., be warm,
available, respectful, etc.)
- Provide reassurance and comfort measures
- Avoid asking or forcing the client to make choices
Teaching/Education
- Educate patient about their
disorder, treatment plan, and
medications.
- Teach signs/symptoms of anxiety
and ways to interrupt its
progression (e.g., deep breathing,
meditation, relaxing walk, etc.)
- Encourage client to express their emotions and to
work through their feelings