How to treat social phobia?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have social phobia. I have this problem from my childhood. Till now, I have not visited any doctor. I am explaining my common issues. Please go through it and please suggest me. I dislike being introduced to other people. I find hard to go outside. I cannot be confident in front of other people. I hesitate to go through crowds. I have a fear to go to parties. I have a fear to have eye contact. I cannot concentrate on my work. I find it hard to socialize with other people. I feel hard to talk in front of other people. I feel anxious when I go to social ceremonies or functions. I generally want to stay silent always. I have a fear to talk with others. It makes me depressed. I have a fear to give a speech in front of other people. My mind is going blank, and I am very nervous. Please give me useful advice.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your problem, and I can understand your concern. You have social phobia and anxiety disorder. You need to consult a psychiatrist soon as depression and avoidant personality disorder are difficult to differentiate from a social anxiety disorder. In social phobia, SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) and psychotherapy such as cognitive retraining, homework assignment, and desensitization are helpful. I hope this helps. Thank you.