Overcome social anxiety disorder from the comfort of home.
Feel better in 12 weeks with a personalized treatment plan including medication, therapy, or both.
- Expert providers
- Medication delivered
- Appointments within 48 hours
Social anxiety disorder is not the same as being shy. Social anxiety disorder is a mental health condition marked by an intense, persistent fear of being watched and judged by others. Research suggests that about 7% of Americans suffer from social anxiety disorder.
This fear can affect work, school, and other day-to-day activities. Social anxiety disorder can even make it difficult to create and maintain friendships or relationships with others.
People with social anxiety disorder are also at an increased risk for developing major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorders.
However, there is hope. Social anxiety disorder doesn’t have to stop you from reaching your full potential. With treatment, you can overcome your symptoms.
Chief Medical Officer
Stanford-trained Psychiatrist with 25 years of practice
Physical symptoms include:
People with social anxiety disorder often expect the worst possible consequences from a negative experience during a social situation, and avoid doing things or speaking to people out of fear of embarrassment.
Antidepressants are shown to be effective in treating the symptoms of social anxiety disorder. At Brightside, we use data and research to find the right medication for you.
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We use evidence-based therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that is proven to be effective in treating social anxiety disorder.
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A comprehensive approach to care leads to better outcomes. By practicing daily healthy habits and self-care, you can reduce your symptoms of social anxiety disorder.
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Whether you choose medication, therapy, or both, our memberships include expert online care designed to help you feel better, faster.
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Start by answering a clinically-proven set of questions, which will help us understand your symptoms and recommend a treatment plan with Medication, Therapy, or both.
Within 48 hours, you’ll have a video consultation where you can share how you’re feeling and decide on next steps together. If prescribed, your medication will be delivered to your door monthly.
Unlimited messaging, video sessions, and regular check-ins help you stay in touch with your provider so they can monitor your symptoms and adjust until treatment is right for you.
“A literal life saver. So convenient, so effective, and more involved/high touch than my former psychiatrist was. I should have done this a year sooner.”
“Brightside has made such a huge improvement on my quality of life. The ease of access, the convenience of the med delivery, and the intelligent check in scoring system all contribute to a next level quality of care.”
“My provider has answered every question I’ve had, listened to worries and concerns and symptoms, assured me and is truly invested in my quality of care. I’ve gone from moderate-severe depression to mild depression in just 2 months.”
“I am so very grateful to have found Brightside. This is the most hopeful I have felt in maybe two years. Brightside isn't just working for me, it saved me. Brightside really turned may life around.”
“My life is so much better after starting with Brightside. My doctor truly cares about my well being and I’m just so grateful for this.”
“A literal life saver. So convenient, so effective, and more involved/high touch than my former psychiatrist was. I should have done this a year sooner.”
“Brightside has made such a huge improvement on my quality of life. The ease of access, the convenience of the med delivery, and the intelligent check in scoring system all contribute to a next level quality of care.”
“My provider has answered every question I’ve had, listened to worries and concerns and symptoms, assured me and is truly invested in my quality of care. I’ve gone from moderate-severe depression to mild depression in just 2 months.”
“I am so very grateful to have found Brightside. This is the most hopeful I have felt in maybe two years. Brightside isn't just working for me, it saved me. Brightside really turned may life around.”
“My life is so much better after starting with Brightside. My doctor truly cares about my well being and I’m just so grateful for this.”
A medical professional will diagnose social anxiety disorder if you experience marked and persistent fear of one or more social or performance situations in which you are exposed to unfamiliar people or possible scrutiny by others. This fear must persist for six months or more.
Additionally, the avoidance, anxious anticipation, or distress in the feared situation may interfere significantly with your regular routine, job or school performance, and social activities or relationships. Seeking help from a mental health professional is the first step to feeling better.
Some risk factors may contribute to the development of social anxiety disorder. These include:
Biological factors: You’re more likely to develop social anxiety disorder if your biological parents or siblings have the condition.
Negative life experiences: People who experience teasing, bullying, rejection, ridicule, or humiliation as children may be more prone to social anxiety disorder. Other adverse events in life, such as family conflict, trauma, or abuse, may also be associated with social anxiety disorder.
Temperament as a child: Children who are shy, timid, withdrawn or restrained when facing new situations or people may be at greater risk of developing social anxiety disorder as they get older.
Social or work demands: Social anxiety disorder symptoms typically start during the teenage years, but meeting new people, giving a speech in public, or presenting an important project at work may trigger symptoms for the first time.
Having a condition that draws attention: Disfigurement, stuttering, or tremors due to Parkinson’s disease, for example, can increase feelings of self-consciousness and may trigger social anxiety disorder in some people.
If your symptoms become so extreme that they disrupt daily life and significantly interfere with daily routines, job performance, or your social life, it may be time to seek professional help.
If you’re suffering from social anxiety disorder, the symptoms can wreak havoc on your life. Social anxiety disorder may cause you to decline a job opportunity that requires frequent interaction with new people. Or, you might avoid going out to a restaurant with friends because you’re afraid that your hands might shake when eating or drinking.
If your symptoms become so extreme that they disrupt daily life and significantly interfere with daily routines, job performance, or your social life, it may be time to seek professional help.
Social anxiety disorder can be treated with medication, therapy, or a combination of the two. The best outcomes are often achieved with a combination of treatments.
Medication
Medication is an effective form of anxiety treatment for many people. Medications commonly prescribed for social anxiety disorder include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs). Common examples include Sertraline (Zoloft), Escitalopram (Lexapro), and Bupropion (Wellbutrin). There are other categories of medications that are used as well. Have a conversation with your doctor to figure out if medication is the right treatment option for you.
It typically takes at least two to six weeks of taking medication to see improvement. It may also take several trials to find the medication that works best. Once the right medication is found, dosage may be adjusted to optimize results.
Brightside offers medication plans to treat social anxiety disorder. Click here to learn more about our medication plan offerings.
Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective type of psychotherapy for social anxiety disorder. It can be equally effective when conducted individually or in groups.
In exposure-based cognitive behavioral therapy, you gradually work up to facing the situations you fear most. Doing this can improve your coping skills and help you develop the confidence to deal with anxiety-inducing situations.
You may also participate in skills training or role-playing to practice your social skills and gain comfort and confidence relating to others in social situations. Practicing exposure to social situations is particularly helpful to challenge your worries and fears.
Self-Care, Coping, and Support
Several techniques and lifestyle changes can help mitigate the symptoms of social anxiety disorder.
Don’t wait to seek help: Symptoms of social anxiety disorder, like other mental health conditions, may not improve on their own. Getting help early may be key to feeling better, faster.
Receive ongoing online care from hand-selected providers who are experts in treating anxiety & depression.
Data-driven prescribing that analyzes over 100 unique data points and decades of clinical research to pinpoint your match.
Build the skills needed to overcome anxiety and depression with an evidence-based approach to therapy that is proven to work.
Track your progress at every step, so you and your provider can make informed decisions and adjust your care until it’s right for you.
If you’re in emotional distress, text HOME to connect with a counselor immediately.
Call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for 24/7 emotional support.
If you’re having a medical or mental health emergency, call 911 or go to your local ER.
