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August 28, 2008, 6:37 am
Flag as Inappropriate tjg0307  

Have you ever known someone with a social phobia? I am pretty sure my brother has it and he is seeing a doctor next week (finally) to find out for sure. What were the experiences of those you knew with it? Did they find treatment to be successful?

I have read stories about people with this. I think they use more therapy than drugs to treat it. I`m not sure.

I have seen it a few times and most of the time they use therapy to help them get through it.

I have read articles and talked with people who suffer from social phobias. Some have decided to accept their phobia instead of trying to get treatment for it.

I have no clue why one chooses one method of coping over another, though.

I have never known anyone that has undergone treatment for this condition, but I do know a lot of people that chose to self-medicate with alcohol, which lead to disastrous consequences. I can see how therapy and treatment could help, but I do think its best for people to just get in there and face their fears.

At least he has now admitted he has a problem. Hopefully he can make a start on adressing the problem now.

I know of a girl that I graduated with that suffers from this severely. She has not come out of her house in years. This is so sad because she was always friendly and very outgoing.

Many people I am close to have been troubles by social phobias for their entire lives. Your brother is doing a really positive step for himself to get professional help.

The people I know never have gone for help and their social phobias have pretty much shaped their whole lives -- and not for the better.

From what I have read about it, there is a lot of positive feedback on people who have gone for help and most are successfully treated for it.

I'm sure your brother will be helped! Good for him for taking the first step and getting help!

Treatment for social phobias are normally pretty useful although they can be slow depending on how deep the phobia is. People with these problems have been featured on shows like Dr Phil dozens of times.

I have mild social anxiety and at times, it can be paralyzing. I would get physically ill before dr. apppointments, job interviews, etc... and staying in my house was much preferred to going out in public. Parties were like nightmares for me. Once I recognized that I wasn't normal in this area and started working with my dr. in treating my anxiety, it was much easier to deal with. I've done combinations of meds and cognitive behavioral therapy. Just doing the cbt right now. I'm still very much an introvert but I don't obsessively worry about social situations anymore.

wishing your brother lots of luck!