Social Anxiety Disorder

Social Anxiety Disorder - Integrative strategies for an under-recognized and undertreated problem.
Part II Conventional and integrative treatment for SAD

Not only is social anxiety disorder (SAD) under-recognized, but it is also undertreated. One study screened a large population of people for several mental health concerns. Only 7.9% of people meeting criteria for SAD were receiving treatment, a lower percentage of people receiving treatment than any other condition examined.⁽¹⁾ On average, individuals with SAD experience a longer delay (166 months) between the first onset of symptoms and receiving specific treatment for anxiety, compared to individuals with panic disorder (79 months) and generalized anxiety disorder (84 months).⁽²⁾ Although undertreated, effective treatments do exist for SAD. The two most studied options are cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and pharmaceuticals. Prescription medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and benzodiazepines reduce symptoms faster than CBT; however the effects of these medications are generally short-lived.⁽³⁾ Considering the chronic nature of SAD it makes sense to emphasize treatments that will benefit individuals over a long term period. Due to the dietary restrictions and adverse effects of MAOIs, and the potential for abuse and physical dependence inherent with benzodiazepines, SSRIs are considered the first-line pharmaceutical option for SAD.^{(4, 5)} The fact that there has been a 400% increase in antidepressant prescriptions over the past few years ⁽⁶⁾ unfortunately suggests a greater reliance on short term symptom reduction over addressing underlying psychosocial factors to effect long-term behavioural changes and healing; however, mounting evidence for the effectiveness of natural therapies in treating anxiety provides hope for a shift in approach.

St. John’s Wort is the only herb that has been looked at as treatment specifically for SAD .⁽⁷⁾ St. John’s Wort showed no benefit, but it’s important to consider that this herb has traditionally been used for depression; individuals with both SAD and depression were excluded from this study. Perhaps St. John’s Wort may be more suited to treating individuals that have mild to moderate depression in addition to SAD. Strong evidence supports the use of Kava kava for reducing generalized anxiety^(8,9) and initial research suggests Ginkgo,^(10,11) Passion flower,⁽¹²⁾ Chamomile,⁽¹³⁾ Scullcap,⁽¹⁴⁾ Lemon balm ⁽¹⁵⁾ and Bacopa ⁽¹⁶⁾ may be beneficial. Further studies are needed to explore their effects specifically for SAD. However, due to their positive effects on generalized anxiety and their strong safety profiles, it seems reasonable to consider incorporating these herbs as part of a holistic treatment plan. Magnesium, when combined in an herbal formula, was shown to significantly decrease anxiety in individuals diagnosed with mild to moderate generalized anxiety.⁽¹⁷⁾ Inositol, a substance naturally found in fibre-rich foods like beans and brown rice, has been shown to decrease the frequency and severity of panic attacks, as well as the severity of agoraphobia (fear of being in an environment which is perceived to be difficult to escape) when taken at a dose of 12 grams per day.⁽¹⁸⁾ One study showed inositol being more effective than a SSRI in reducing panic attacks.⁽¹⁹⁾ Although the evidence supporting the use of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (fish oil, for example) for anxiety isn’t as clear cut as their use for mood disorders like depression, studies do confirm that patients suffering from SAD often have lower omega-3 levels.⁽²⁰⁾ Omega-3s have been shown to reduce some symptoms related to anxiety and are thought to inhibit activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. In other words, omega-3s calm the body’s “stress system”.⁽²¹⁾ One of the goals inherent in integrative and naturopathic medicine is to treat the whole person by addressing the underlying root causes specific to the individual. Therefore, holistic practitioners will often use a combination of interventions. One study compared a naturopathic therapy protocol consisting of 300mg twice daily of the herb Ashwagandha (Withaniasomnifera), dietary counselling, breathing relaxation techniques and a standard multivitamin, to a control group that received psychotherapy, deep breathing exercises and a placebo pill. The patients who received naturopathic care showed significantly greater benefit in mental health, concentration, fatigue, social functioning, vitality and overall quality of life.⁽²²⁾ Although the sample size was small, the results are definitely encouraging and support the need for a holistic approach to anxiety disorders like SAD. More research devoted specifically to the use of natural therapies for SAD is needed; however evidence supporting the use of herbs like kava and nutrients like magnesium and omega 3s for general anxiety suggests it’s reasonable to consider these as part of a holistic treatment plan. Part III of this article series will look at how diet and nutrition play a role in social anxiety.

Social Anxiety Disorder - Integrative strategies for an under-recognized and undertreated problem.
Part III Diet and SAD

More and more research indicates that diet affects mental health. Like in the case of herbs and natural supplements (see Part II of this article series), research examining diet has focused more on its effect on generalized anxiety than social anxiety specifically, but there are some lessons we can gleam from these studies. Studies have shown that individuals consuming a “traditional” diet consisting of vegetables, fruits, and lean, non-processed meats had a decreased likelihood of anxiety.⁽¹⁾ And, likewise, individuals consuming a “Western diet” high in processed meats, pizza, chocolates, sweets, soft drinks, margarine, French fries, beer, coffee, cake and ice cream, had a significantly increased likelihood of anxiety.⁽²⁾ Researchers theorize that increased stress levels cause us to reach for “highly palatable” foods found in a typical Western diet, which have short term protective effects, but negative long term consequences.⁽³⁾ Processed foods increase reactive oxygen species, causing oxidative stress that may contribute to the development of anxiety.⁽⁴⁾ The link between anxiety and the misuse of caffeine and alcohol is well established. Individuals with social anxiety disorder (SAD) are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of caffeine.⁽⁵⁾ Long term alcohol use can reduce levels of critical nutrients needed for brain function, such as B vitamins. Treatment of alcohol use in patients with SAD has been shown to reduce anxiety levels.⁽⁶⁾ Therefore, screening for abuse of these substances is especially important in individuals with SAD and the avoidance of these substances should be recommended as part of a treatment plan. There seems to be a higher prevalence of SAD in individuals who have celiac disease or a food allergy to gluten.⁽⁷⁾ Greater rates of anxiety are also seen in people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a condition that has also been linked to food allergies .⁽⁸⁾ Therefore, ruling out the possibility of food allergies and intolerances is a reasonable step to take when investigating underlying causes of SAD. In conclusion, a reasonable nutritional approach to treating SAD may involve recommending a diet rich in lean protein, vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids, while avoiding refined carbohydrates, processed foods, alcohol and caffeine. Investigation into possible food allergies or intolerances is warranted, along with ruling out the possibility of vitamin B6 and zinc nutritional deficiencies.

Social Anxiety Disorder - Integrative strategies for an under-recognized and undertreated problem.
Part IV More integrative strategies for helping SAD

Perhaps more than any other intervention, lifestyle changes and mindfulness-based approaches offer the greatest potential to effect long term benefits for individuals with social anxiety disorder (SAD). Exercise has been shown to be a protective factor against all causes of disease,⁽¹⁾ so it seems logical that physical activity would be beneficial for SAD as well. Surprisingly, there is little research to draw on from large scale studies even though an association between lack of physical activity and social phobia does seem to exist.⁽²⁾ One smaller study showed beneficial effects of a home-based walking program,⁽³⁾ while another study showed benefits of exercise in combination with group cognitive behavioural therapy.⁽⁴⁾ Interestingly, individuals with SAD are significantly more likely than those with panic or generalized anxiety disorder to follow through with an exercise program,⁽⁵⁾ suggesting greater compliance and potential benefit in this population. Distorted self-views, such as viewing oneself as socially awkward, inadequate or flawed, are a key element of SAD. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has been shown to positively impact the areas of the brain responsible for producing these self-views; thereby significantly decreasing the number of negative self-views an individual with SAD experiences.⁽⁶⁾ The beneficial effects of MBSR in reducing social anxiety have been replicated in multiple studies.^(7,8) Mindfulness involves being aware and in the present moment, free of judgement. MBSR is an eight to 10 week program where individuals are taught mindful awareness via weekly group meetings, a one-day workshop and daily individual practice at home .⁽⁹⁾ A relatively recent offshoot of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), has also shown promise in the treatment of SAD.^(10,11) The goal of ACT is to create a rich and meaningful life while accepting the pain that inevitably goes with it. So, unlike CBT which teaches individuals to reduce or eliminate negative thoughts, ACT teaches individuals how to accept those negative thoughts.⁽¹²⁾ A CBT therapist theorizes that it’s the negative thoughts themselves that cause anxiety, whereas an ACT therapist suggests that it’s the struggle with the negative thoughts that causes anxiety. The nature of SAD can sometimes make one-on-one personal interactions with therapists difficult. Media like the Internet have the potential to reach individuals who might not seek out treatment through face to face encounters. This makes the positive results, seen from a study where acceptance-based behaviour therapy was provided via the online virtual world of Second Life, so encouraging. Significant improvements in social anxiety symptoms, as well as depression, disability and quality of life were experienced by participants.⁽¹³⁾ Meditation and mindfulness techniques work to change the perception of a negative thought to viewing it as just that – a thought, words without value that come and go. This change in perception reduces the potential for triggering a reaction to the thought. This is important because it’s the reaction that causes distress.⁽¹⁴⁾ As mentioned earlier, neuroimaging studies have shown that mindfulness is powerful enough to actually change the structure of the brain, including increasing its thickness in areas thought to be affected by anxiety.⁽¹⁵⁾ Meditation may also influence the release of neurotransmitters in the brain.⁽¹⁶⁾

In conclusion, although SAD is currently under-recognized and undertreated, awareness of the disorder is growing. Simple screening tools like the mini-SPIN and WB-DAT make it easier to detect and help initiate conversations between patient and doctor. Research related to the treatment of SAD is still in its infancy and reliance upon the short-term symptom reduction of pharmaceuticals is still too great; however mounting evidence showing benefit from dietary and lifestyle changes, herbs and natural supplements, and mindfulness-based behavioural therapies provide hope towards a more holistic, long-term approach to the treatment of SAD.