How to control social anxiety?

Question

Hi doctor,

My social anxiety is severe and disabling me. I would really like to gain adequate control of it. I have attached a brief history of my psychiatric illnesses and previously tried pharmacotherapies. Is there anything else you would suggest?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com. I understand your issue. I have read the attached document carefully (attachment removed to protect patient identity). As I can make out, over a period of time, your other symptoms have resolved quite a bit, but the social anxiety, emotional instability and lack of fluency in speech is not improving. My suggestions would be as you are well aware of your disease and symptoms; you can be a good patient for CBT- cognitive behavior therapy. It is a therapy in which patients are taught to change their thinking in everyday situations. Learn to apply it, definitely it would work. I do not advise any change in medicines, because the medicines you have been prescribed over a period of time are very carefully chosen. Regular meditation would definitely help you. It builds up positive neurotransmitters in the brain. Please do that.