Sociophobia is a fear of communication associated with going beyond the limits of "personal space". In other words, a person suffering from sociophobia experiences a stubborn, inexplicable fear of panic at the very thought that he will have to be in the company of strangers, do something in their presence, talk to them. Such a person, as a rule, understands all the meaninglessness, irrationality of these fears, but cannot get rid of them. Even just to leave the house on the street for him is sometimes akin to a feat. How to treat sociophobia?
Instruction manual
one
To cure this disease, as directed by a doctor, resort to drug therapy. Medicines such as antidepressants, beta-blockers, as a rule, help well in some cases, for example, if necessary, to speak to an unfamiliar audience (with a lecture, at meetings, etc.). But it should be clearly understood that, firstly, they have side effects, and secondly, they only eliminate the symptoms of the phenomenon. They do not affect the cause of sociophobia.
2
Some experts advise treating sociophobia on the principle of "knock out a wedge with a wedge." In other words, they insistently recommend such people literally “through force”, forcing themselves to do exactly what makes them fear. Scary talking with strangers? That means talking to them as often as possible, under any pretext or without it at all.
3
Scared to be in a big company? Go to supermarkets several times a day, attend concerts, performances, attend meetings, etc. at the earliest opportunity. Sooner or later, irrational fear will recede. This method is quite controversial. In some cases, it can really help. However, with the same probability, it can aggravate the condition of a person suffering from sociophobia.
4
Use the so-called behavioral therapy. This is a long and complex, but rather effective method. The main condition for healing is full trust between the patient and the therapist, since it is very important to determine what caused the symptoms of social phobia. Based on this reason, the therapist will plan the treatment technique, which the patient must adhere to steadily.
5
In the most severe cases, resort to the combination of drug treatment and behavioral therapy. As a rule, this leads to a positive result.
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