The cognitive-behavioural model of social phobia

Unhelpful thoughts (cognitive symptoms)

The main concerns lie in worries and fears that others will evaluate the person negatively or that they may do something to be embarrassed by:

• “I’ll make a fool of myself!”
• "People will laugh at me”
• “Ill have no idea what to say”
• “I’ll be so nervous that I’ll mess food on my clothes and people will think I’m clumsy”
• “No one will find anything I have to say interesting”
• “I’ll blush/sweat/shake/stutter so much that people will know that I’m nervous!”

Feelings (emotional symptoms)

• Intense anxiety – may escalate to panic
• Fear

Physical symptoms

In threatening situations, the body becomes prepared to fight or flee

The bodily effects in social anxiety include:

• Increased heart rate and strength of beat
• Increased rate and depth of breathing – leading to over breathing
• Sweating
• Widening of the pupils
• Decreased activity of the digestive system – person may feel nauseas
• Muscle tension
• Focused attention on surroundings to scan for danger
• Reduced ability to concentrate on ongoing tasks.
• Shakiness
• Dry mouth
• Numbness or tingling sensations
• Light headedness
  
  << Prev - Next >>