I'm a 21 year old female and I've been having anxiety attacks since I was about 16. Recently they've become much more frequent and severe. I'm not really sure what's caused this, nothing that out of the ordinary has happened but that's not the question. What I've always thought my problem was was Social Anxiety Disorder; most of my attacks occur in moderately to highly populated places, especially indoors. But, I've read a lot about SAD and a lot of it seems to be based on performance anxiety or self-conciousness, feeling as though people are judging you or laughing at you, and that's not what I feel, I don't think about all that. I'm not sure why all the people make me anxious and if it weren't for that being the common theme I wouldn't even know that was what the problem was. All the symptoms are there nonetheless: the irrational fear and panic, the shortness of breath, the light-headedness, the feeling of being detached and wanting to escape my body. Is this still social anxiety regardless of the lack of "stage fright", or is this something else?
JanaK- It's great that you have been researching this. Based on what you are describing I tend to agree with your impression that this is not social anxiety disorder in it's typical form. You did not mention that the anxiety is created by the thought of interacting with or speaking in front of others. But you mentioned "the irrational fear and panic." How would you describe the fear? What is it a fear of? The answer to this question is important in making the diagnosis. If you haven't been evaluated by a trained mental health professional please do so. In particular, see if you can find one that specializes in anxiety disorders.
Rick Wirtz
Rick Wirtz is a Psychologist, not a psychiatrist or medical doctor. Although the majority of Psychologists are not authorized to prescribe medications or give you specific advice about them, they typically have experience working with patients who take a variety of medications. The response above is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical or mental disorder. Any information given in a post about medication is for educational purposes only and primarily to aid you in having an informed discussion with your own physician.
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