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Social Anxiety Disorder

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety Anxiety Feelings or emotions of dread, apprehension, and impending disaster but not disabling as with anxiety disorders. Generalized Anxiety Disorder disorder, or social phobia, is a psychiatric illness marked by fear and avoidance of social interactions due to concerns about embarrassment. The disorder usually occurs in more than one social situation for more than 6 months and leads to a significant decline in function. The performance subtype occurs only in performance-related situations (e.g., giving a speech in front of people). Management includes CBT, antidepressants (selective serotonin Serotonin A biochemical messenger and regulator, synthesized from the essential amino acid l-tryptophan. In humans it is found primarily in the central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, and blood platelets. Serotonin mediates several important physiological functions including neurotransmission, gastrointestinal motility, hemostasis, and cardiovascular integrity. Receptors and Neurotransmitters of the CNS reuptake inhibitors, serotonin Serotonin A biochemical messenger and regulator, synthesized from the essential amino acid l-tryptophan. In humans it is found primarily in the central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, and blood platelets. Serotonin mediates several important physiological functions including neurotransmission, gastrointestinal motility, hemostasis, and cardiovascular integrity. Receptors and Neurotransmitters of the CNS- norepinephrine Norepinephrine Precursor of epinephrine that is secreted by the adrenal medulla and is a widespread central and autonomic neurotransmitter. Norepinephrine is the principal transmitter of most postganglionic sympathetic fibers, and of the diffuse projection system in the brain that arises from the locus ceruleus. Receptors and Neurotransmitters of the CNS reuptake inhibitors), and beta-blockers Beta-blockers Drugs that bind to but do not activate beta-adrenergic receptors thereby blocking the actions of beta-adrenergic agonists. Adrenergic beta-antagonists are used for treatment of hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, angina pectoris, glaucoma, migraine headaches, and anxiety. Class 2 Antiarrhythmic Drugs (Beta Blockers) or benzodiazepine for performance-only subtypes.

Last updated: 10 Mar, 2022

Editorial responsibility: Stanley Oiseth, Lindsay Jones, Evelin Maza

Contents

Overview

Definition

Epidemiology

Pathophysiology

Biological basis:

  • Pathological neurotransmitter distribution: 
    • Dopamine Dopamine One of the catecholamine neurotransmitters in the brain. It is derived from tyrosine and is the precursor to norepinephrine and epinephrine. Dopamine is a major transmitter in the extrapyramidal system of the brain, and important in regulating movement. Receptors and Neurotransmitters of the CNS
    • Serotonin Serotonin A biochemical messenger and regulator, synthesized from the essential amino acid l-tryptophan. In humans it is found primarily in the central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, and blood platelets. Serotonin mediates several important physiological functions including neurotransmission, gastrointestinal motility, hemostasis, and cardiovascular integrity. Receptors and Neurotransmitters of the CNS
    • Glutamate Glutamate Derivatives of glutamic acid. Included under this heading are a broad variety of acid forms, salts, esters, and amides that contain the 2-aminopentanedioic acid structure. Synthesis of Nonessential Amino Acids
    • Oxytocin 
  • Hyperactive sympathetic system Sympathetic system The thoracolumbar division of the autonomic nervous system. Sympathetic preganglionic fibers originate in neurons of the intermediolateral column of the spinal cord and project to the paravertebral and prevertebral ganglia, which in turn project to target organs. The sympathetic nervous system mediates the body’s response to stressful situations, i.e., the fight or flight reactions. It often acts reciprocally to the parasympathetic system. Autonomic Nervous System: Anatomy: 
    • Exaggerated sympathetic response to stress
    • Can cause tremors, tachycardia Tachycardia Abnormally rapid heartbeat, usually with a heart rate above 100 beats per minute for adults. Tachycardia accompanied by disturbance in the cardiac depolarization (cardiac arrhythmia) is called tachyarrhythmia. Sepsis in Children, and diaphoresis
  • Hypothalamic- pituitary Pituitary A small, unpaired gland situated in the sella turcica. It is connected to the hypothalamus by a short stalk which is called the infundibulum. Hormones: Overview and Types– axis Axis The second cervical vertebra. Vertebral Column: Anatomy dysfunction:
    • Involved in stress response in healthy individuals
    • Overreactivity noted in patients with social anxiety disorder
    • Seen in patients with history of trauma/abuse
  • Structural brain Brain The part of central nervous system that is contained within the skull (cranium). Arising from the neural tube, the embryonic brain is comprised of three major parts including prosencephalon (the forebrain); mesencephalon (the midbrain); and rhombencephalon (the hindbrain). The developed brain consists of cerebrum; cerebellum; and other structures in the brain stem. Nervous System: Anatomy, Structure, and Classification changes:
    • Increased activation of limbic and paralimbic areas (especially amygdala Amygdala Almond-shaped group of basal nuclei anterior to the inferior horn of the lateral ventricle of the temporal lobe. The amygdala is part of the limbic system. Limbic System: Anatomy and insula), medial prefrontal cortex, medial parietal Parietal One of a pair of irregularly shaped quadrilateral bones situated between the frontal bone and occipital bone, which together form the sides of the cranium. Skull: Anatomy, and occipital Occipital Part of the back and base of the cranium that encloses the foramen magnum. Skull: Anatomy cortical regions
    • These brain Brain The part of central nervous system that is contained within the skull (cranium). Arising from the neural tube, the embryonic brain is comprised of three major parts including prosencephalon (the forebrain); mesencephalon (the midbrain); and rhombencephalon (the hindbrain). The developed brain consists of cerebrum; cerebellum; and other structures in the brain stem. Nervous System: Anatomy, Structure, and Classification regions are known to be related to executive functioning, behavior, and emotion processing.

Psychological theories:

  • Phobic disorders may be defensive mechanisms of intrapsychic conflict.
  • Phobias may be a learned behavior, where one associates certain responses with certain stimuli.

Related videos

11:50
Phobias

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of social anxiety disorder is entirely clinical, based on meeting specific criteria.

  • Excessive anxiety or fear in ≥ 1 social situations lasting > 6 months (e.g., having a conversation, meeting new people, being watched while eating or drinking, and performing in front of a group (e.g., giving a speech))
  • Fear stems from a belief that the individual will be judged, evaluated, humiliated, embarrassed, or rejected by others.
  • Symptoms provoked almost always by the same stimuli
  • Patient shows avoidance behavior Avoidance behavior Specific Phobias or intense fear and anxiety that is out of proportion to the situation. 
  • Symptoms cause a significant decline in function.
  • Symptoms cannot be caused by:
    • Substance use
    • Medical conditions
    • Other mental disorders (e.g., panic disorder Panic disorder Panic disorder is a condition marked by recurrent and episodic panic attacks that occur abruptly and without a trigger. These episodes are time-limited and present with cardiorespiratory (palpitations, shortness of breath, choking), GI (nausea, abdominal distress), and neurologic (paresthesias, lightheadedness) symptoms. Panic Disorder, body dysmorphic disorder Body dysmorphic disorder Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a psychiatric disorder characterized by a patient’s preoccupation with minor or imagined flaws in their physical appearance. The obsession over the perceived defect leads to compulsive behaviors to cover it up, either with cosmetic therapy or social avoidance. Body Dysmorphic Disorder, autism spectrum disorder Autism spectrum disorder Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by poor social skills, restricted interests/social interactions, and repetitive/stereotyped behaviors. The condition is termed a “spectrum” because of the wide variability in the severity of symptoms exhibited. Autism Spectrum Disorder)

Management

Both pharmacologic and psychological treatments are shown to be effective. Patients Patients Individuals participating in the health care system for the purpose of receiving therapeutic, diagnostic, or preventive procedures. Clinician–Patient Relationship who also have avoidant personality disorder Avoidant Personality Disorder Cluster C Personality Disorders have a worse prognosis Prognosis A prediction of the probable outcome of a disease based on a individual’s condition and the usual course of the disease as seen in similar situations. Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas and require a longer period of treatment.

Psychotherapy Psychotherapy Psychotherapy is interpersonal treatment based on the understanding of psychological principles and mechanisms of mental disease. The treatment approach is often individualized, depending on the psychiatric condition(s) or circumstance. Psychotherapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy Cognitive behavioral therapy A directive form of psychotherapy based on the interpretation of situations (cognitive structure of experiences) that determine how an individual feels and behaves. It is based on the premise that cognition, the process of acquiring knowledge and forming beliefs, is a primary determinant of mood and behavior. The therapy uses behavioral and verbal techniques to identify and correct negative thinking that is at the root of the aberrant behavior. Psychotherapy is considered to be the best initial treatment for treatment of social anxiety disorder (includes psychoeducation Psychoeducation Psychotherapy, cognitive reframing, and exposure Exposure ABCDE Assessment therapy).

Pharmacology

  • Antidepressants (specifically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor ( SSRIs SSRIs Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Similar Antidepressants)) are the 1st-line treatment.
  • Beta-blockers Beta-blockers Drugs that bind to but do not activate beta-adrenergic receptors thereby blocking the actions of beta-adrenergic agonists. Adrenergic beta-antagonists are used for treatment of hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, angina pectoris, glaucoma, migraine headaches, and anxiety. Class 2 Antiarrhythmic Drugs (Beta Blockers) ( propranolol Propranolol A widely used non-cardioselective beta-adrenergic antagonist. Propranolol has been used for myocardial infarction; arrhythmia; angina pectoris; hypertension; hyperthyroidism; migraine; pheochromocytoma; and anxiety but adverse effects instigate replacement by newer drugs. Antiadrenergic Drugs)
    • Used in performance-only subtype
    • Inhibits the hyperactive sympathetic symptoms (tremors, tachycardia Tachycardia Abnormally rapid heartbeat, usually with a heart rate above 100 beats per minute for adults. Tachycardia accompanied by disturbance in the cardiac depolarization (cardiac arrhythmia) is called tachyarrhythmia. Sepsis in Children, diaphoresis)
  • Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines work on the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor to produce inhibitory effects on the CNS. Benzodiazepines do not mimic GABA, the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in humans, but instead potentiate GABA activity. Benzodiazepines ( alprazolam Alprazolam A triazolobenzodiazepine compound with antianxiety and sedative-hypnotic actions, that is efficacious in the treatment of panic disorders, with or without agoraphobia, and in generalized anxiety disorders. Benzodiazepines, lorazepam Lorazepam A benzodiazepine used as an anti-anxiety agent with few side effects. It also has hypnotic, anticonvulsant, and considerable sedative properties and has been proposed as a preanesthetic agent. Benzodiazepines): usually avoided due to side effects (sedation, cognitive decline) and high risk of dependence and misuse
  • D- cycloserine Cycloserine Antibiotic substance produced by streptomyces garyphalus. Antimycobacterial Drugs (DCS): 
    • Partial N-methyl-d- aspartate Aspartate One of the non-essential amino acids commonly occurring in the l-form. It is found in animals and plants, especially in sugar cane and sugar beets. It may be a neurotransmitter. Synthesis of Nonessential Amino Acids (NMDA) receptor Receptor Receptors are proteins located either on the surface of or within a cell that can bind to signaling molecules known as ligands (e.g., hormones) and cause some type of response within the cell. Receptors agonist 
    • Shows some evidence in augmenting CBT during exposure Exposure ABCDE Assessment therapy

Differential Diagnosis

  • Panic disorder: a chronic mental disorder marked by recurrent and episodic panic attacks that occur abruptly without a trigger Trigger The type of signal that initiates the inspiratory phase by the ventilator Invasive Mechanical Ventilation. The disorder is associated with anxiety or the fear of having another attack or its complications. Patients Patients Individuals participating in the health care system for the purpose of receiving therapeutic, diagnostic, or preventive procedures. Clinician–Patient Relationship with social anxiety can also suffer from panic attacks; however, these patients are more concerned with social situations rather than the onset of future panic attacks. 
  • Avoidant personality disorders Personality Disorders A major deviation from normal patterns of behavior. Cluster A Personality Disorders: lifelong pattern of thoughts and behaviors marked by social isolation, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation. There are considerable similarities with social anxiety disorder as both frequently co-occur. The main difference with social anxiety disorder is the feeling of inferiority and hypersensitivity to criticism.
  • Agoraphobia: the fear of being in public or open spaces. Agoraphobia is best treated with medications ( SSRIs SSRIs Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Similar Antidepressants) and CBT. Patients Patients Individuals participating in the health care system for the purpose of receiving therapeutic, diagnostic, or preventive procedures. Clinician–Patient Relationship with agoraphobia Agoraphobia Agoraphobia is fear or anxiety in a situation that would be difficult to leave or to obtain help in the event that one develops panic-like symptoms. Situations include being in public or open spaces, lines, crowds, or public transport. Agoraphobia may be comforted by other people but those with social anxiety will feel more anxious. Social anxiety disorder can be complicated by or associated with agoraphobia Agoraphobia Agoraphobia is fear or anxiety in a situation that would be difficult to leave or to obtain help in the event that one develops panic-like symptoms. Situations include being in public or open spaces, lines, crowds, or public transport. Agoraphobia, but the 2 are not always seen together.

References

  1. Kessler RC, Berglund P, Demler O, Jin R, Merikangas KR, Walters EE. (2005). Lifetime prevalence and age-of-onset distributions of DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Arch Gen Psychiatry. Arch Gen Psychiatry. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15939837/ 
  2. Hofmann SG, Newman MG, Ehlers A, Roth WT. (1995). Psychophysiological differences between subgroups of social phobia. J Abnorm Psychol. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7897046/ 
  3. Schneier FR, Abi-Dargham A, Martinez D, Slifstein M, Hwang DR, Liebowitz MR, Laruelle M. (2005). Dopamine transporters, D2 receptors, and dopamine release in generalized social anxiety disorder. Depress Anxiety. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19180583/ 
  4. Sadock, B. J., Sadock, V. A., & Ruiz, P. (2014). Kaplan and Sadock’s synopsis of psychiatry: Behavioral sciences/clinical psychiatry (11th ed.). Chapter 9, Anxiety Disorders, pages 387-417. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
  5. Grant, J. (2021). Overview of anxiety disorders. Retrieved June 22, 2021, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/348435567_Overview_of_Anxiety_Disorders
  6. Dave, P. (2017). Clinical management of anxiety disorders. Retrieved June 22, 2021, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/348489972_Clinical_Management_of_Anxiety_Disorders
  7. Palkar, P. (2020). Neurobiology of anxiety disorders. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3684250/
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