Understanding Treatment Options for Social Anxiety Disorders

Understanding Treatment Options for Social Anxiety Disorders

The Albany Clinic • December 16, 2024

Social anxiety disorder can be a debilitating condition that affects how you engage with the world around you. For those who suffer from it, everyday situations like meeting new people, speaking in front of others, or even making eye contact can trigger intense fear, self-consciousness, and anxiety.



Many people face these challenges, and while traditional treatments work for some, others need more advanced solutions to find relief. This blog will help you better understand social anxiety disorder and the various treatments that can help you or a loved one feel great again.

What Is Social Anxiety Disorder?

Social anxiety disorder is an intense, persistent fear of being judged, embarrassed, or scrutinized during social interactions. While shyness might cause mild discomfort, social anxiety disorder can trigger overwhelming anxiety that disrupts everyday life. It's a recognized mental health condition that can make social situations feel impossible to face.

Common Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder

People with social anxiety disorder may experience a range of symptoms, including:



  • Fear of speaking in front of others
  • Intense worry about being judged or humiliated
  • Physical reactions like sweating, shaking, blushing, or a racing heart
  • Nausea or dizziness before or during social situations
  • Difficulty making eye contact
  • Avoiding situations where they might be the center of attention


These symptoms can appear during interactions as simple as a phone call or as significant as a public presentation. Even everyday tasks like ordering food or talking to a cashier can become daunting.

Causes of Social Anxiety and Its Impact on Daily Life

Research finds that social anxiety disorder can arise from a combination of factors. Genetics plays a significant role, as the condition often runs in families. Additionally, brain structure may contribute, particularly when the amygdala (the brain region controlling fear responses) is more active than usual. Life experiences can also be a key factor, with events like bullying, humiliation, or social rejection increasing the likelihood of developing social anxiety.


When left untreated, social anxiety disorder can significantly limit personal, social, and professional growth. It can lead to missed opportunities at work or school, strained relationships, and a deep sense of isolation. Over time, avoidance of social interactions can even contribute to depression or other additional mental health challenges.

Traditional Treatments for Social Anxiety

When it comes to managing social anxiety disorder, traditional treatments often include a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments. One of the most common therapeutic approaches is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT helps people identify and change negative thought patterns that fuel their anxiety while also teaching coping strategies to face social situations with more confidence.



Medications like Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) are frequently prescribed to help regulate brain chemistry and reduce anxiety symptoms. These medications can be effective, but they often take several weeks to show results, and some patients experience unwanted side effects.


Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, mindfulness practices, and relaxation techniques can also help alleviate symptoms. These methods aim to reduce overall stress and improve emotional well-being.


However, traditional treatments don't work for everyone. Some people find that therapy and medication provide only partial relief or take too long to produce noticeable results. For those who continue to struggle despite these efforts, social anxiety can remain a significant barrier to living a full and satisfying life. That's where more innovative treatments can make a difference.

Innovative Treatments at The Albany Clinic

At The Albany Clinic, we understand that traditional treatments for social anxiety, PTSD, and treatment-resistant depression don't work for everyone. That's why we specialize in offering advanced, evidence-based therapies to help patients find relief when other methods fall short.


Our approach combines expertise, compassion, and innovative procedures to address mental health conditions that can feel overwhelming and debilitating. Here's a closer look at the cutting-edge treatments we provide for social anxiety and related disorders.

Stellate Ganglion Block

Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) is a procedure that targets a group of nerves in the neck that regulate the body's "fight or flight" response. By injecting a local anesthetic around these nerves, SGB can help calm this overactive response, reducing symptoms of anxiety and hypervigilance. While SGB is widely known for its effectiveness in treating PTSD, studies demonstrate its potential to relieve severe social anxiety is promising.


Patients often experience a noticeable decrease in anxiety levels, allowing them to face social situations with greater ease and confidence. For those who feel trapped in a constant state of anxiety, SGB offers a way to reset the nervous system and regain a sense of calm.

IV Infusion Therapy (Ketamine)

Ketamine IV infusion therapy is a groundbreaking treatment for those struggling with treatment-resistant depression and anxiety. Unlike traditional medications, which can take weeks to work, ketamine infusions often provide rapid relief, sometimes within hours. Clinical trials have shown that ketamine can effectively reduce symptoms in cases where other treatments have failed.


At The Albany Clinic, our experienced team administers ketamine infusions in a safe, controlled environment, helping patients break free from the cycle of anxiety. For those with social anxiety, this fast-acting therapy can make a significant difference, offering a renewed sense of hope and the ability to engage in life more fully.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS Therapy)

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate underactive areas of the brain linked to anxiety and depression. By gently activating these regions, TMS helps to restore normal brain function and alleviate anxiety symptoms. This therapy is particularly beneficial for patients who haven't responded to medications or prefer a drug-free approach.


TMS requires no sedation, has minimal side effects, and allows patients to resume their daily activities immediately after treatment. TMS therapy can help patients move past anxiety and toward a brighter, more confident future.

SPRAVATO® (Esketamine)

SPRAVATO® (esketamine) is an FDA-approved nasal spray designed for treatment-resistant depression, a condition that often overlaps with social anxiety. Administered under medical supervision, SPRAVATO® works quickly to reduce symptoms, offering a new option for patients who haven't found success with other treatments.



One of the key benefits of SPRAVATO® is its accessibility, as many insurance plans cover it. For those battling the challenges of social anxiety, esketamine offers the possibility of fast relief.

Find Treatment for Social Anxiety in Carbondale, IL Today

At The Albany Clinic, our mission is to help you feel great again. By offering advanced treatments, we provide hope for those who feel like they've run out of options. If social anxiety has been holding you back, our innovative therapies may be the key to unlocking a life of greater confidence and freedom. You deserve relief, and we're here to help you find it.


You don't have to face social anxiety alone. Schedule a consultation today to get started.

The albany clinic logo is blue and white in a circle.

35 Albany Rd. Suite A Carbondale, IL 62903

Phone:     (888) 804-4330


Cited Source(s):
  1. Priyamvada, Richa et al. “Cognitive behavioral therapy in the treatment of social phobia.” Industrial psychiatry journal vol. 18,1 (2009): 60-3. doi:10.4103/0972-6748.57863
  2. Lynch, James H et al. “Stellate Ganglion Block Reduces Anxiety Symptoms by Half: A Case Series of 285 Patients.” Journal of personalized medicine vol. 13,6 958. 6 Jun. 2023, doi:10.3390/jpm13060958
  3. Koyuncu, Ahmet et al. “Comorbidity in social anxiety disorder: diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.” Drugs in context vol. 8 212573. 2 Apr. 2019, doi:10.7573/dic.212573
  4. Taylor, Jerome H et al. “Ketamine for Social Anxiety Disorder: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial.” Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology vol. 43,2 (2018): 325-333. doi:10.1038/npp.2017.194
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By Matt Rodriguez March 3, 2025
Struggling with a social anxiety disorder (SAD) can feel isolating and overwhelming, especially when other medications haven’t proved effective. However, ketamine therapy offers a promising path forward, showing fast and significant relief from SAD symptoms. At The Albany Clinic in Albany, New York, we provide customized ketamine treatment plans designed to empower patients to overcome the challenges of SAD. Read on to explore the science and benefits of this transformative approach. Understanding Social Anxiety Disorder Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), often referred to as social phobia, is a chronic mental health condition characterized by extreme fear and discomfort in social situations. While occasional nervousness in social settings is normal, social anxiety disorder is more persistent and can significantly disrupt daily life, relationships, and career opportunities. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) , 7.1% of the U.S. population experiences social anxiety disorder annually. Recognizing the Symptoms of SAD The symptoms of social anxiety disorder can be grouped into three categories: emotional, behavioral, and physical. Emotional Symptoms: Intense fear of social interactions, particularly with strangers. Persistent worry about being judged or negatively evaluated. Excessive anxiety about upcoming social events, often for weeks in advance. Overwhelming self-consciousness in social environments. Behavioral Symptoms: Avoidance of social situations. Skipping school, work, or events to avoid social interaction. Relying on alcohol or other substances to ease anxiety in social settings. Physical Symptoms: Sweating, trembling, dry mouth, or muscle tension. Panic attacks in extreme cases. At The Albany Clinic, we understand the debilitating impact of these symptoms and offer ketamine therapy as a groundbreaking approach to address SAD. Our compassionate team is dedicated to creating personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs. How Ketamine Therapy Helps Treat Social Anxiety Ketamine has emerged as a promising treatment for social anxiety disorder due to its unique mechanism of action. Unlike traditional treatments, ketamine interacts with NMDA receptors in the brain, enhancing neuroplasticity —the brain’s ability to form new neural connections. This process can help improve brain function in areas related to stress and emotional regulation, potentially improving symptoms of SAD. Brain scanning experiments show ketamine alters connectivity in a brain region called the anterior insular cortex , which is thought to play a key role in social emotions. Studies suggest that this region may become dysfunctional in SAD, but ketamine could help restore its normal function and reduce SAD symptoms. Ketamine also lowers the activity of the amygdala , a brain region linked to fear and the body’s stress response. In people with anxiety, the amygdala is often overactive. Ketamine may help by calming this overactivity and reducing feelings of fear. Benefits of Ketamine for SAD Ketamine offers several benefits for treating SAD . One of its most significant advantages is its rapid action , often providing relief within hours, compared to the weeks or months traditional antidepressants can take. Additionally, ketamine has shown sustained effects , with a single dose sometimes improving symptoms for days or even weeks. Whereas common anti-anxiety medications, such as antidepressants, are used every day, ketamine is used more infrequently . A typical dosing regime involves twice-weekly sessions for the first four weeks, with more spaced-out sessions thereafter. This prevents people from developing tolerance to the drug, so they don’t experience withdrawal symptoms once they stop taking medication. However, ketamine does have an abuse potential , and ketamine addiction can lead to severe health consequences. For this reason, it’s essential to use ketamine in carefully controlled clinical environments under medical supervision, such as our clinic in Albany. Typical anti-anxiety medication is also associated with side effects that affect daily function, such as weight gain or sexual dysfunction . Ketamine, on the other hand, has mild side effects that generally wear off once the drug is cleared from the system. These include: Dizziness Decreased heart rate and blood pressure Drowsiness Nausea Research Supporting Ketamine for Social Anxiety A clinical trial from Yale University found ketamine infusions significantly decreased measures of social phobia in anxiety patients, compared to a placebo drug. The difference in improvement was significant from two days post-treatment and lasted up to the two-week follow-up. In another study from the University of Otago, patients with both generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and SAD had significantly improved symptoms two weeks following ketamine treatment. These patients had been previously non-responsive to other therapies. Is Ketamine Therapy Right for You? Ketamine therapy is not suitable for everyone, but it can be highly effective for those who have not found relief with traditional treatments. You may be a good candidate if: You have been diagnosed with SAD, or another severe form of anxiety Conventional medications or therapies have not provided sufficient relief You are seeking a treatment with faster results However, ketamine therapy may not be recommended if you have: A current or past history of substance abuse You have specific liver or heart conditions You have a history of psychosis At The Albany Clinic, our experienced providers will carefully evaluate your medical history to determine if ketamine therapy is the best option for you. Building a Social Anxiety Treatment Plan at The Albany Clinic Step 1: Initial Consultation Your journey begins with a complimentary consultation to discuss whether ketamine therapy is suitable for you. During this session, our team will answer your questions, assess your mental health history, and develop a personalized treatment plan aligned with your recovery goals. Step 2: Ketamine Infusion Therapy Infusion sessions at The Albany Clinic are conducted in a modern , calming environment designed to put you at ease. Patients are provided with headphones , eye masks , and curated music playlists , though you are welcome to bring your own music if preferred. Each infusion session lasts about 40 minutes , during which time you’ll receive an injection of ketamine directly into the bloodstream through a vein. A dedicated provider will be present throughout your session to monitor your safety and comfort. Step 3: Lifestyle Adjustments and Aftercare Most patients require a series of treatments for optimal results. However, successful management of social anxiety extends beyond therapy sessions. Our team offers tailored aftercare guidance to help you integrate the positive effects of ketamine therapy into your daily life, promoting long-term well-being.  Interested? If you are struggling with social anxiety disorder and looking for an innovative approach to enhance your mental health, The Albany Clinic in Albany, NY, offers expert-led ketamine therapy designed to meet your needs. Our compassionate team is committed to providing evidence-based treatment plans to help you regain control and live a fulfilling life. To find out if ketamine therapy is the right choice for you, schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our specialists today.
By Kimberly Mercille January 22, 2025
In this article, we’ll explore how TMS and antidepressants work, compare their effectiveness, safety, and costs, and help you determine which treatment might be right for you. Whether you’re considering TMS, antidepressants, or a combination of both, understanding your options can empower you to make an informed decision about your mental health journey.
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By The Albany Clinic October 24, 2024
This article addresses questions about teen depression, where to get help near Carbondale IL, and reviews TMS therapy as an FDA approved treatment.
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