Case Study of Social Phobia

Case Study Analysis of Dave

Dave is a young adult male in college, and suffers from social phobia. This condition usually begins during the individual’s early years, and is represented by symptoms that include a fear of being judged by other people, and being embarrassed in public situations (National Institute of Mental Health, n.d.). Dave also displays symptoms related to obsessive-compulsive disorder, and control issues.

Social Phobia

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (n.d.) “people with social phobia are afraid of doing common things in front of other people” (para. 2). Examples of social phobia include the fear of eating or drinking in front of others, or going to public events where the individual perceives a potential exposure to embarrassment (National Institute of Mental Health, n.d.).  Symptoms of social phobia range based on individual experiences. Some people will display symptoms during certain situations, whereas other people will experience symptoms under any social or public situation (National Institute of Mental Health, n.d.). Individuals suffering from social phobia are normally aware that their fears are over-exaggerated: however, the individual is not able to control his or her fear (National Institute of Mental Health, n.d.).

Social phobia is recognized as a treatable debilitating psychiatric condition that often remains undetected and untreated. Symptoms are likely to include blushing of the skin, and muscle twitching (Franklin, 1991). Social phobias may be as minor as a treatable fear of social interactions, or may include more serious conditions like agoraphobia that result on possible severe panic attacks that render a the individual unable to leave his or her perceived safe environment (Franklin, 1991).

Patient History

The patient’s case study indicates that his symptoms started within the last year. His interview reflects that he suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder, and control issues (Hansell, & Damour, 2008). The patient believes that he always has to be perfect and in control of all situations he is associated with. His current condition has elevated his stress and anxiety levels to a point of being completely uncomfortable around other people (Hansell, & Damour, 2008). The patient’s interview indicates that his brother suffers from anxiety disorder resulting from family issues, and that his brother’s disorder has become a primary focus of the family dynamic (Hansell, & Damour, 2008). Dave believes that his brother’s problems have produced a situation where he is forced to take on a stronger role in the family, and that his family, especially his father, would not be able to contend with him having a mental disorder as well. Various test results indicate that the patient does not display any severe impairments associated with psychotic disorders; however, the test results are based on predictions that the patient has accurately and honestly answered the questionnaire (Hansell, & Damour, 2008).

Components of Dave’s phobia

The primary component of the patient’s condition is the fear of not being in control, and the reinforcement of anxiety within his family. Dave displays a tendency to feel extreme shame and embarrassment, and comparing himself to family members and peers. Further documentation indicates that the patient suffers from anxiety, and insecurity. He has a lack in self confidence, but is conventional thinking and controlled (Hansell, & Damour, 2008). Further documentation indicates that the patient shows a strong belief that he is less attractive and inferior to others around him. His anxiety levels became elevated when he was exposed to social situations, and that he compared himself to his friends, and family members in an unfavorable position (Hansell, & Damour, 2008).

Conclusion

The assessment of the patient indicates that he suffers from a persistent, irrational fear of social situations that results in his attempts to avoid any social interaction with his peers. The classification of social phobia is important to the development of a treatment regimen focusing on a combination of behavioral, cognitive, psychodynamic, and family influences to help the patient overcome his fears of inadequacy, and help alleviate the extreme symptoms of fear when involved in social situations. Social phobia affects people on different levels of extremity. Some people may display symptoms under certain situation, whereas other people will display symptoms in all social interactions. Understanding the individual underlying factors that result in individual diagnosis helps medical professionals determine the proper course of treatment best suited for the individual situation.

References

Franklin, R. S. (1991). Social phobia. Psychiatric Annals, 21(6), 349-353. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/894193799?accountid=35812

Hansell, J. & Damour, L. (2008). Abnormal psychology (2nd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/social-phobia-social-anxiety-disorder-always-embarrassed/what-is-social-phobia.shtml