Social Anxiety Disorder

People with social anxiety disorder (SAD) are characterized by an extreme fear of social situations. They fear and expect scrutinization/judgement by others in settings such as meeting strangers, being observed in public, and performing in front of others(2). In addition to mental distress, those with SAD often experience physiological symptoms like rapid heart rate, nausea, and vomiting(3). The combination of mental and physiological distress often leads to issues with work and social life, and increases one’s risk of depression, substance-abuse, and even cardiovascular disease(4). 

 

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, or a combination of the two are currently the mainstay treatments for SAD, although certain individuals do not respond well(3). We highly recommend neurofeedback for those not benefitting from CBT or medication, as well as those looking for an alternative therapy with long-term benefits. 

 

Extivita Therapies for Social Anxiety Disorder:

 

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Extivita Therapies for Social Anxiety Disorder:

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Neurofeedback

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

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Neurofeedback Therapy​ for Anxiety:

Neurofeedback protocols for social anxiety disorder (SAD) typically involve balancing brain activation levels between the right and left side of the brain, specifically in the front of the head. The right side of the brain is believed to be involved in negative thinking and withdrawal behavior, and those with social anxiety have been found to have increased activation in the right frontal region(5-7). 

 

To balance this activity, protocols for SAD may 1) decrease alpha activity it in the left hemisphere or increase it in the right hemisphere and/or 2) increase alpha and theta activity towards the back of the head. The specific protocol for someone with SAD depends on a careful analysis of that individuals qEEG brain map, their behavioral assessment, and their neurofeedback consultation. 

 

Learn more about Neurofeedback…

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Neurofeedback Therapy in Durham, NC

News & Research for Social Anxiety Disorder:

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social Anxiety Disorder

Jun 20, 2017 |

Abstract A 26-year-old student reports feeling very anxious when giving a presentation, taking an examination, or meeting an authority figure. In these situations, he has palpitations, tremors, blushing, and sweating, and he is fearful that he will embarrass himself....

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References
  1. Facts & Statistics | Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA. https://adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics. Accessed 10 Feb. 2021.
  2. Leichsenring, Falk, and Frank Leweke. “Social Anxiety Disorder.” New England Journal of Medicine, vol. 376, no. 23, Massachusetts Medical Society, June 2017, pp. 2255–64. Taylor and Francis+NEJM, doi:10.1056/NEJMcp1614701.
  3. Social Anxiety Disorder | Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA. https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/social-anxiety-disorder. Accessed 10 Feb. 2021.
  4. Ruscio, Ayelet Meron, et al. “Social Fears and Social Phobia in the United States: Results from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication.” Psychological Medicine, vol. 38, no. 1, Jan. 2008, pp. 15–28. PubMed Central, doi:10.1017/S0033291707001699.
  5. Davidson, Richard J., et al. “While a Phobic Waits: Regional Brain Electrical and Autonomic Activity in Social Phobics during Anticipation of Public Speaking.” Biological Psychiatry, vol. 47, no. 2, Jan. 2000, pp. 85–95. ScienceDirect, doi:10.1016/S0006-3223(99)00222-X.
  6. Beaton, Elliott A., et al. “Resting and Reactive Frontal Brain Electrical Activity (EEG) among a Non-Clinical Sample of Socially Anxious Adults: Does Concurrent Depressive Mood Matter?” Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, vol. 4, no. 1, Feb. 2008, pp. 187–92.
  7. Moscovitch, David A., et al. “Frontal EEG Asymmetry and Symptom Response to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Patients with Social Anxiety Disorder.” Biological Psychology, vol. 87, no. 3, July 2011, pp. 379–85. ScienceDirect, doi:10.1016/j.biopsycho.2011.04.009.