Reducing Your Risk of Social Anxiety Disorder

June 10, 2008 - 7:30am

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Reducing Your Risk of Social Anxiety Disorder

There are currently no guidelines for reducing your risk of ]]>social anxiety disorder]]> . However, since this disorder tends to relapse, there are certain factors which could help reduce the risk of relapse including the following:

See your doctor as soon as you notice the symptoms of social anxiety disorder.
Avoid ]]>smoking]]> , drinking ]]>alcohol]]> , and using ]]>illicit drugs]]> .
Avoid ]]>caffeine]]> .
Avoid the following drugs: ]]>ephedrine]]> , phenyephrine, ]]>isoproterenol]]> , antipsychotic medication, diet pills, drugs for flu or colds, and steroids.
Attend support groups.
Attend family or marital counseling if needed.

References:

Social anxiety disorder (social phobia). Anxiety Disorders of America website. Available at: http://www.adaa.org/GettingHelp/AnxietyDisorders/SocialPhobia.asp . Updated October 2008. Accessed October 30, 2008.

Social phobia (social anxiety disorder). National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/anxiety-disorders/social-phobia-social-anxiety-disorder.shtml . Updated October 2008. Accessed October 30, 2008.

Last reviewed July 2008 by ]]>Theodor B. Rais, MD]]>

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.