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Reducing Your Risk of Social Anxiety Disorder by Amy Scholten, MPH

There are currently no guidelines for reducing your risk of social anxiety disorder . However, since this disorder tends to relapse, there are certain factors which could help reduce the risk of relapse including the following:

See your doctor as soon as you notice the symptoms of social anxiety disorder.
Avoid smoking , drinking alcohol , and using illicit drugs .
Avoid caffeine .
Avoid the following drugs: ephedrine , phenyephrine, isoproterenol , antipsychotic medication, diet pills, drugs for flu or colds, and steroids.
Attend support groups.
Attend family or marital counseling if needed.

References:

Social anxiety disorder (social phobia). Anxiety Disorders of America website. Available at: http://www.adaa.org/GettingHelp/AnxietyDisorders/SocialPhobia.asp . Updated October 2008. Accessed October 30, 2008.
Social phobia (social anxiety disorder). National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/anxiety-disorders/social-phobia-social-anxiety-disorder.shtml . Updated October 2008. Accessed October 30, 2008.

Last reviewed November 2012 by Michael Woods, MD

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Reducing Your Risk of Social Anxiety Disorder by Amy Scholten, MPH

References:

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