07/04/2020
I love a good myth busting when it comes to health. Today: social anxiety.
In my medical practice, I see both genetic and environmental stress factors involved in the onset of social anxiety disorder. The hormones involved include cortisol and oxytocin, at least in preclinical studies. Cognitive models suggest that social beliefs about the self (i.e., high standards and conditional and unconditional beliefs) are central to social anxiety.
What’s proven to help? Several non drug treatments that I’ve been researching include saffron, MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, and (CBD).
Cannabidiol, the main non-psychotomimetic phytocannabinoid found in Cannabis sativa, reduces anxiety via 5-HT1A and cannabinoid receptor activation. Preclinical studies demonstrate that cannabidiol reduces learned fear in models of phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Regarding other plant-based therapies with evidence based on a Cochrane review, acute anxiolytic activity was found for Centella asiatica, Salvia spp., Melissa officinalis, Passiflora incarnata and Citrus aurantium.
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Social anxiety disorder, also referred to as social phobia, is a mental health disorder characterized by significant anxiety. This anxiety is caused by overwhelming, irrational fears of being scrutinized by others in social situations.
Social anxiety disorder is a serious mental health disorder that affects a person’s ability to function in life. Unfortunately, it often goes undiagnosed and untreated. This is largely due to the many social anxiety misconceptions and myths that people believe to be true.
Many people are shy or afraid of at least some social situations, such as public speaking. People with social anxiety disorder experience anxiety that is out of proportion to the social situation. Affected individuals will go to great lengths to avoid participating in social activities. (Therecoveryvillage)
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