social anxiety, baltimore

/baltimore
http://www.ubalt.edu/disability/accommodation/psych_sad.html
The etiology of SAD can be determined when assessing the relationship between biological and psychological factors. These factors create chronic physiological and psychological symptoms. Feldman and Rivas-Vazquez (1999) found that SAD appears to have moderate heritability, and first-degree relatives of adults with SAD are three times more likely to acquired SAD. Tempermental traits associated with SAD include a tendency to be fearful, avoidant, quiet, and show restraint whenever confrontation arises. These tempermental traits create a physiological predisposition for anxiety. Individuals with SAD commonly experience physiological symptoms such as sweating, tremors, blushing, slowed cognition, and full panic attacks when placed in social situations. Psychological symptoms that accompany physiological reactions include fear, anxiety, maladaptive thoughts and feelings of one's self. Environmental influences such as parental Influences, cognitive influences, and conditioning events have a direct correlation with the severity of symptoms associated with SAD.
Psychosocial treatments and pharmacological treatments have produced the most effective results when reducing the symptoms of SAD. Research has shown that cognitive-behavior therapy has the highest rate of success when treating SAD. Important components of cognitive-behavioral therapy include exposure therapy, social skill training, relaxation training, and group behavioral therapy. Pharmacological treatments are recommended in association with therapy. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are commonly used for treatment. Despite the availability of health care, most adults who experience SAD do not receive treatment (Feldman & Rivas-Vazquez, 1999).
* For further information contact Jacquelyn Truelove-Desimone, Director of Disability Support Services at 410-837-4775 or jtruelove@ubalt.edu.
* The links provided will supply additional information:
http://www.socialphobia.org/
http://www.socialfear.com/
http://www.anxietynetwork.com/sphome.html
References
Feldman, F. B. & Rivas-Vazquez, R. A. (1999). Assessment and treatment of social anxiety disorder. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 34(4), 396-405. Retrieved January 20, 2005 from PsycINFO database.

Phillips, D. M., Siniscalchi, J. M., & Mcelroy, L. S. (1999). Depression, anxiety, anger, and somatic symptoms in patients with body dysmorphic disorder. Psychiatric Quarterly, 75(4), 309-320. Retrieved January 23, 2005 from PsycINFO database.


socialfear.com
A Recent Abstract on Social Anxiety Disorder:
Journal of Clinical Psychiatry 2001;62 Suppl 12:24-9
Comorbidity, Neurobiology, and Pharmacotherapy of Social Anxiety Disorder.
Pollack MH, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114