| Social Anxiety Disorder
(Social Phobia) |
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Complications
Depression
A large number of people with social anxiety also suffer depression, a disorder
characterised by persistent low mood, loss of pleasure, hopelessness about the future,
feelings of worthlessness and a number of physical symptoms, including sleep and appetite
disturbance. Sometimes people also experience thoughts of suicide. If you have been having
suicidal thoughts or if you have been experiencing a number of these other symptoms you
may be clinically depressed and you must see a doctor.
Alcohol problems
People with social anxiety often rely on alcohol to cope in social situations.
Unfortunately, alcohol use can become a problem in itself. Alcohol abuse is one of the
main additional problems for people with social anxiety. You may need to talk to a health
professional about your alcohol use.
Benzodiazepine dependence
Benzodiazepines such as diazepam have been prescribed for social anxiety and other
anxiety disorders, however they are not usually the treatment of choice as they can be
difficult to stop, and withdrawal symptoms are often experienced when the drug is ceased.
In addition, people rapidly develop tolerance to the drug, so that greater doses are
required to achieve the same effect.
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