Social Anxiety Disorder?

Question:

There is a woman who has very few friends; in fact, she has only one. She has never had much of social life.never could relate very easily to others. This only bothers her occassionally. She doesn't seek out friendships, but she doesn't shun them, either. She's fairly normal and converses fine with people, but she rarely comes across people who have the same interests, etc. that she does. Most of the time, it's other people who shun her.

Thus, she long ago gave up trying so hard to find or be friends, is most thankful for the one friend she does have, and is comfortable enough (usually) with who she is despite the fact that she is occassionally lonely.

One day, a doctor tells her she has Social Anxiety Disorder and suggests she seek counseling to determine why she can't make friends easily.

Does this seem like a fair diagnosis? Why? Should she really start taking pills and seeking therapy for being happy with herself and having people shun her?

Answers:
Depends.

If she is locking herself up in her home, scared to even go do simple things like grocery shop, get gas in the car, or has this serious need to get home whenever out in public. Then she does have social anxiety disorder.

If she is just a person who is different, quarky, loner, likes odd things or doesn't fit into society due to her own choices and loves, then she is just a normal person who choose her own path. Some people are just wise enough after time to realize that for the most people are not good and the less you have around you the better off you can be at times, or at least have less problems and stress.

Other Answers:
She sounds like me in female form. She shouldn't take pills. I don't know what she should do, but know that other people feel the same way.

She should try the therapy, she doesn't have to take the pills If she's happy with who she is that's all that matters. If she was unhappy, and in denial, maybe she should seek treatment after all.

I think I have social anxiety disorder. In groups, especially parties, I get nervous uncontrolably and my teeth chatter sometimes. I would definately take medication for it if it would help. I would love to have more friends but I hide my personality most of the time because I'm nervous. Try what the doctor suggests. What have you got to lose?

She should try psycho therapy for starters, prior to medication. She may find just talking about the subject with a nutreal person to be helpful.

This girl sounds a lot like me. Personally, I've never really been a fan of taking pills that affect the way your brain works because I have a fear of pills messing up the way it functions. Counseling, however, i don't have a problem with. Also one of my friends told me that you don't have a disorder unless it is a real problem. For example if she is feeling extreme anxiety due to not having a lot of friends (hence social anxiety), then she should definitely go through with the treatment. But if she's happy the way she is then why seek change? you know that no one can diagnose something like this from just reading one post. and especially not strangers reading it. you will get all sorts of stupid advice here. if this is you, this has been me. don't judge what kind of treatment, if any you chose by reading any reply to your question. there is no set amount of friends a person should have. in fact, some of the loneliest people are the smiling ones surrounded by yes people, with whom they cannot tell their feeling to. and finally, there isn't a cure for everything or for everyone. sometimes broken people, stay broken. and sometimes, they help others because of their understanding. almost like it is their gift.

Does she feel nervous, uncomfortable around people, afraid to speak, feeling she will be put down? Anxiety I believe is number one of mental health diagnosis..and more often than not, runs in families. Only she knows if her anxiety is bothering her to the extent that she feels she would benefit by treatment. And if she does, there is no reason for embarrasment.But, if she doesn't feel as if she has an abnormal amt. of anxiety,,,don't let a health professinal convince her that she does. One last thing,,,,some people don't even have one good friend.Be grateful for the one.

Sounds like me! It's called Asperger Syndrome - a social disorder, in which many people don't have very many friends. Bill Gates is even thought to be Autistic. He rocks back and forth. Individuals find him eccentric and odd. Individuals seem to bully people with Asperger's. Although, many people with Asperger's don't have very many friends - it does not limit their intelligence. Their intelligence is very good. Above or average intelligence. Individuals with Asperger's have limited interests, in which can keep them from getting friends. For example: My interests include: Computers, Psychology, Mathematics, Spelling, and Writing. I haven't found many friends, in which also enjoy my friends. I only have two friends - and the rest of the majority, take advantage of me, from my good heart and so forth.

Check out the links below in the sources tab! I hope this helps fit your friend. It sounds EXACTLY like her to me!

Have her take the test below - which is the bottom or second link. If you have anymore questions, feel free to email me at Luvs2Write16@aol.com or Instant Message me on Yahoo messenger on Michelle_Leatherbury@yahoo.com. Take care!

Michelle

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Social Anxiety Disorder?

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