Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) Doctors
You may believe that your anxiety is a social or emotional problem that you have to endure. In fact, SAD, or social phobia, is a well-defined, chronic, debilitating psychiatric disorder that can respond well to treatment.[1][2] Your doctor should be your partner in examining your options for managing SAD.
One way to find a psychiatrist is to check with the Doctor Finder on this website.
Why See a Doctor?
SAD isn't something you can just get over or tough out. It's a serious, chronic, debilitating condition, that requires the help of medical professionals. There are many treatment options that have proven beneficial to patients with SAD.[2] It's also important to monitor your physical health and your response to treatment as you get better.
Questions for Your Doctor
It can be difficult to talk about the debilitating anxiety you feel, but it's essential that you communicate your needs to the healthcare professionals working with you. Having a clear understanding of your treatment and the decisions your doctor makes will help you feel more confident about getting well.
In addition to bringing a completed Mini-SPIN quiz to your doctor, the following are some questions you might want to ask during your doctor visit.
- How many SAD patients have you treated? Do you feel the treatments were successful?
- What types of therapy do you typically use for your patients with SAD?
- Do you have specific training in CBT for SAD or can you refer me to a psychologist/therapist who does?
- What are the SAD criteria that I meet?
- What do you think are my best treatment options to start with? Why?
- What are the potential side effects of any medication you've suggested?
- Will you work with my psychologist/therapist to coordinate my CBT with my medication regimen, if one is prescribed?
- If my symptoms seem to be getting worse after being on treatment, or I have new symptoms, what should I do?
- How long will it be before I can expect to see benefits?
- What will be the signs that I'm getting better?
- How long can I expect to continue treatment?
- Are there changes I can make in my lifestyle that would help my SAD?
- Are there any dietary regimens I should follow?
References:
- ^ American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed, text revision. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association; 2000.
- ^ Bandelow B, et al. World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) guidelines for the pharmacologic treatment of anxiety, obsessive-compulsive and posttraumatic stress disorders. World Journal of Biological Psychiatry. 2002;3:171-99.
This website is sponsored by Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Palo Alto, CA.