Social anxiety disorder is characterized by extreme fear or anxiety to socialize, including fear of talking with people, meeting new people, and attending social gatherings. It is persistent and affects one's work, schooling, and relationships outside the family. Past negative experiences, family history, or serotonin imbalance can result in social anxiety disorder. Cognitive behavior therapy, group therapy, exposure therapy, getting adequate sleep, and avoiding caffeine help in its treatment.
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Which medication should I use for OCD and social anxiety?
Query: Hello doctor, I have been suffering from OCD and social anxiety since I was ten years old. Today, I went to a psychiatrist, and she asked me to have a medication, which is a sertraline medication. She said that she was going to give me another tablet that contained sertraline, too. But she said she ... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I can understand your problem and situation. Both are the same. There is no difference. Sometimes, there is a difference in efficacy due to company quality. If there is a standard company, then it may have good quality and effect. Yes, it will surely help you with your... Read Full »
I become depressed, worried, and withdrawn when I gain weight. What should I do next?
Query: Hi doctor, I feel like being overweight is making me shy, depressed, and anxious. I do not like to socialize because I feel like what I am saying is stupid and just embarrassing myself. I tried diets, but they did not work. I tried having gastric surgery, but with my insurance, it would be too exp... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I read your query and understand your concern. You see, the only person you should care about is yourself. Yes, you require therapy for your morbid obesity, for which you must see a professional, but no matter the circumstances, it is unfair to punish yourself. Stressi... Read Full »
How can I get rid of social anxiety?
Query: Hello doctor, I am a 29 year old male. I have been suffering from social anxiety. Following are the consequences that I am facing through in my daily life: I am not at all confident to talk with new persons, especially in group meetings. My heartbeat used to raise and I will forget things to be dis... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. You have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and social phobia. I can understand your concern. I have read through your history and from that, it is clearly evident that you have anxiety spectrum disorder. The symptoms like difficulty in talking with persons, increase... Read Full »
What to do if I have lost confidence to talk with people?
Query: Hello doctor, I am 25 years old female. I have some problem due to some failures. I have lost confidence and whenever I write any exam my heartbeat and pulse increases and I start shivering despite I knew all the things. And when I meet any person I do not have enough confidence to talk with him fre... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. The problem is occurring due to poor confidence most likely due to social anxiety. Please visit a psychiatrist for help. SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) drugs like Escitalopram or Fluoxetine can be used to reduce the symptoms and will surely help you. Read Full »
I feel uncomfortable among people. Why?
Query: Hello doctor,I feel weird when I am among people. I get scared sometimes. On some occasions, my mind is just blank. I do not know what to say in response, and when the conversation ends, I feel like I should have to say something good. These things depress me more. Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I understand your problem. You seem to have social anxiety or anxious personality traits. This is one of the most common psychiatric problem people usually encounter but there is always a solution to every problem. Yours also has a solution. There is a therapy called... Read Full »
Can a therapy dog help with my depression?
Query: Hello doctor, I am a 16 year old. I have social anxiety and depression. I find it hard to talk to people, especially in public. I also have a problem with talking about my feelings face to face, making the idea of a therapist very nerve-wrecking. I am not sure if I would talk. I would probably just ... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. A therapy dog can help in relieving anxiety. But, since your anxiety is related to social situations, I do not think that a therapy dog will relieve your social anxiety. The anxiety will go away with exposure or by systematic desensitization. You have to take the first... Read Full »
I suspect of having anxiety. How can I manage it?
Query: Hello doctor, I suppose I am suffering from anxiety. Also, I get scared of certain people or situations where I feel that I will be judged. Always, I think that people are judging me on whatever I do. So, I get anxious. This is a pattern since long. I understand that I can overcome it, as I find tha... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I can understand your problem. Feelings that people are judging you, becoming conscious when people are around you could be occurring due to anxiety, most likely social anxiety. This should be evaluated properly. Do you have difficulty in talking with strangers or ladi... Read Full »
I suffer from social anxiety. Please help.
Query: Hello doctor, I am 28 years old. I am suffering from social anxiety. Some years back, I joined as a lecturer. After some days, when I start teaching the students and if they do not understand what I am teaching, I feel profuse sweating in arms and face. So, I get very shy. I left the job now. I cons... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. You may indeed have a social anxiety disorder. You need to build up confidence in yourself. Start talking with yourself by looking at a mirror with eye to eye contact. Talk with a new person daily, just small talk like hi or hello. Start doing exercise daily. Go for sw... Read Full »
I suffer from anxiety. What medication can help?
Query: Hello doctor, I am a male who was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and social anxiety, eight years back. Initially, I was prescribed Paxil 20 mg, which helped treat my anxiety and depression but I started having side effects of weight gain, fatigue, and sexual dysfunction. When I st... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Paroxetine acts on multiple receptors, and it is known for its withdrawal effects of weight gain due to its antihistaminic and anticholinergic action. SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) can cause significant sexual dysfunction. Usually, Bupropion along with SS... Read Full »
I have an issue with my smile. Is that a psychological problem or nerve issue?
Query: Hi doctor, I am 16 years old and not good. I have a smile issue. I think it started before 5 years if I am not wrong. I feel like I cannot put a smile for more than 3 to 4 seconds ,and sometimes I think it trembles. My smile is very uncomfortable and weird. This whole thing has caused me social anxi... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Smile is a complex process executed by a group of muscles and nerves. If you are having difficulty while smiling, then it could be because of psychological or organic cause. Psychological cause includes anxiety disorders, and organic cause includes nerve damage. I would ... Read Full »
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