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Hypnotherapy London - Malminder Gill MNCIP
Hypnotherapist in London for individuals & corporates
96 Harley Street, Online & Home Visits (UK & Internationally)

Many of us feel some degree of shyness in certain situations like when meeting new people or being in a new place. This is normal. What is not is being extremely shy to the point of avoiding social situations as much as possible. It’s called social phobia. Based on statistics, about 5 to 10% of people in the UK suffer from this kind of fear. Published by Hypnosis in London on 25 April 2016, written by Malminder Gill.

Social anxiety is a form of disorder on which there is an intense and unreasonable fear of social interaction. People with social phobia feel the rise of anxiety and self-consciousness when dealing with other people. They have this excessive fear of being judged, criticized, or being watched close by.

Millions of people worldwide are suffering from social anxiety. Based on epidemiological studies, social anxiety is the third largest psychological disorder in the United States. About 7% of the U.S. population are suffering from this type of anxiety disorder.

Risk Factors

There are factors that increase one’s risk of developing social anxiety disorder. Some of these factors include gender, family history, negative experiences especially during childhood, and personality.

Gender
Although equal number of men and women seek treatment for social anxiety disorder, this form of anxiety is more common in women than in men.

Family History
In a review done on the environmental factors that affect social anxiety disorder, it revealed that there is a connection between parental overcontrol and parental psychopathology with childhood social anxiety disorder. Marital problems in the family was also seen as a risk factor in developing this anxiety disorder.[1]

Negative Experiences
In a study done to find out which childhood experience plays a major role in the development of depression and anxiety, researchers found out that sexual abuse and neglect play a significant role. The more the abuse and the neglect takes place, the stronger is the connection observed between the negative experience and the development of the psychological disorder.[2]

Personality Factors
There are certain personality traits that trigger the development of anxiety disorder. Extremely shy children as well as those who cannot tolerate uncertainties have higher chances of developing anxiety disorder later in life.[3]

Triggering Factors

People with social anxiety disorder experience a significant amount of distress when exposed to any of the following situations:

  • Being the center of attention
  • Being introduced to other people
  • Being criticized
  • Being observed or watched by other people when doing something
  • Doing certain activities in public like talking or making phone calls

Symptoms of Social Anxiety

When in certain social situations, a person with social anxiety disorder experiences intense level of fear and nervousness. These emotions usually come with other symptoms including tachycardia (rapid heart rate), sweating, trembling, dry mouth, blushing, and muscle twitches.

Many people with this anxiety disorder know that their fear is irrational but they feel they couldn’t do something about it.

Dealing with Social Anxiety

Social anxiety disorder can be managed with the help of cognitive and behavioral therapy, antidepressant medicines, and hypnotherapy.

Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive and behavioral therapy (CBT) lies on a premise that certain ways of thinking can trigger the development of mental disorders. In CBT sessions, the therapist makes you understand your existing thought patterns and how they affect your anxiety level. The purpose of CBT is to help you change the way you think so you become less anxious and develop changes in your behaviour.

In a study done on the treatments for social anxiety, it was shown that both groups who were treated with CBT and medications have shown dramatic improvements. There were no differences on the outcome between the two groups.[4]

Pharmacological Treatments
Antidepressants are used for social anxiety disorder as they help reduce the symptoms by interfering with the brain chemicals. The most commonly used antidepressants for social anxiety disorder are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Aside from antidepressants, anxiolytic and cardiovascular drugs may be prescribed to make you calmer and alleviate symptoms like trembling and palpitations.

Hypnotherapy
Guided hypnosis puts you into a completely relaxed state. This enables us, the therapist, to get into your subconscious mind and understand the root cause of the anxiety.

When you undergo hypnosis, you are more receptive to suggestions. Since social phobia has something to do with the way you think, hypnotherapy can be a great help.

In a study done to find out the effectiveness of hypnotherapy for social anxiety, researchers found out that those who undergo hypnosis have shown significant reduction in anxiety compared to the controlled group who have only experienced minor changes in anxiety level.[5]

In my years of experience as a hypnotherapist, I’ve seen positive changes on my clients who have undergone hypnotherapy. Through guided hypnosis, I help people deal with different issues including anxiety.

If social anxiety keeps you from becoming the kind of person you want to be, then don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Through guided hypnosis, I can help you.

References:
[1] Christina A Brook, Louis A Schmidt. “Social Anxiety Disorder: A Review Of Environmental Risk Factors”. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment 4.1 (2008): 123. Web. 19 Apr. 2016.
[2] Spinhoven, Philip et al. “The Specificity Of Childhood Adversities And Negative Life Events Across The Life Span To Anxiety And Depressive Disorders”. Journal of Affective Disorders 126.1-2 (2010): 103-112. Web. 19 Apr. 2016.
[3] “Stress And Anxiety Risk Factors – Stress And Anxiety Health Information – NY Times Health”. Nytimes.com. N.p., 2016. Web. 19 Apr. 2016.
[4] Gelernter, Cheryl Shea. “Cognitive-Behavioral And Pharmacological Treatments Of Social Phobia”. Arch Gen Psychiatry 48.10 (1991): 938. Web. 19 Apr. 2016.
[5] Fredette, Catherine et al. “Using Hypnosis In The Treatment Of Anxiety Disorders: Pros And Cons”. New Insights into Anxiety Disorders (2013): n. pag. Web. 19 Apr. 2016.
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