Social Phobia

Term Paper # 115892

Psychology > Behaviorism
Psychology > Social
Psychology > Therapies

Social Phobia

An analysis of social phobia and its treatment methods.

2,025 words () | 8 sources | APA | 2009 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper looks at the condition of social phobia, an anxiety disorder recognized by modern psychiatry and the DSM-IV. The purpose of the paper is to determine and understand the effect of social phobia on the individual's behavior. Although each case is different, the condition has several common effects. The author also looks at common treatments for this disorder, including pharmacological treatment as well as treatment through more conventional methods of psychotherapy.

Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Effects On The Individual
Treatments
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Social phobia is not a habit or a natural shyness, although some argue that what medical science and pharmaceutical companies are trying to do now is stigmatize natural behavior; social phobia is classified as a mental disorder, in the category of anxiety disorders. The individual with this specific anxiety disorder has serious and preoccupying fears about their social performance which haunt them and pester at them constantly. They will also exhibit behavioral as well as physical symptoms in social situations which make them uncomfortable, including excessive sweating and panic attacks. The recurrence of a phobia that is deemed unreasonable in terms of potential harm assessment can create serious problems for the individual dealing with social tasks in daily living."

Sample of Sources Used:

Mahoney, D (2005). Mindfulness training boosts CBT in social phobia. Clinical Psychiatry News
Stein, M, J McQuaid, C Laffaye et al (1999). Social Phobia in the Primary Care Medical Setting. Journal of Family Practice.
Walsh, J (2002). Shyness and social phobia: a social work perspective on a problem in living. Health and Social Work
Zoler, M (2001). Drug Update: SSRIs in Social Phobia. Family Practice News
Social Phobia - Pamphlet (1999). Pamphlet by: National Institute of Mental Health.