Along with the many different degrees and types of shyness, there also comes a variety of ways suggested to treat social phobias. The two methods following appeared most commonly in my own personal research and were used in my project. NOTE: these are not the only methods available, just the methods I chose to further research.
BIOMEDICAL
Susie Scott, as mentioned in 'Types & Degrees of Social Phobias', experimented and researched the biomedical approaches of shyness. This method is relatively fast acting and rather efficient when dealing with the symptoms that are associated with shyness. Many common drugs associated with biomedical treatment are Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, and Seroxat (Scott 138). The pills and medications used in a biomedical approach do not actually cure shyness; rather they alleviate symptoms caused by shyness, such as reducing levels of anxiety, sweaty palms, or shaking knees (Scott 139). Please note, biomedical approaches DO NOT CURE social phobias, they only help reduce symptoms (Scott 139).
SELF-HELP
Ronald Rapee wrote the book, Overcoming Shyness and Social Phobia: A Step-by-Step Guide, as a step-by-step self-help guidebook in overcoming social phobias. Each chapter is a new step in working towards the goal of coming coming one's social phobias. The book is an excellent guide in working to use one's self towards overcoming fears. The following steps are mentioned with more detail in Rapee's book :
1. Motivation & Self Control
2. Fully Understanding Social Phobias, such as shyness
3. Think Realistically
4. Look at Negative & Positive Aspects
5. Think of Consequences
6. Manipulate Attention
7. Reality Test
8. Ask For Feedback
While these steps look overwhelming in a list, the book is a great and easy read. Go to the local library and check it out!
BIOMEDICAL
Susie Scott, as mentioned in 'Types & Degrees of Social Phobias', experimented and researched the biomedical approaches of shyness. This method is relatively fast acting and rather efficient when dealing with the symptoms that are associated with shyness. Many common drugs associated with biomedical treatment are Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, and Seroxat (Scott 138). The pills and medications used in a biomedical approach do not actually cure shyness; rather they alleviate symptoms caused by shyness, such as reducing levels of anxiety, sweaty palms, or shaking knees (Scott 139). Please note, biomedical approaches DO NOT CURE social phobias, they only help reduce symptoms (Scott 139).
SELF-HELP
Ronald Rapee wrote the book, Overcoming Shyness and Social Phobia: A Step-by-Step Guide, as a step-by-step self-help guidebook in overcoming social phobias. Each chapter is a new step in working towards the goal of coming coming one's social phobias. The book is an excellent guide in working to use one's self towards overcoming fears. The following steps are mentioned with more detail in Rapee's book :
1. Motivation & Self Control
2. Fully Understanding Social Phobias, such as shyness
3. Think Realistically
4. Look at Negative & Positive Aspects
5. Think of Consequences
6. Manipulate Attention
7. Reality Test
8. Ask For Feedback
While these steps look overwhelming in a list, the book is a great and easy read. Go to the local library and check it out!
*Photo found using Google Images.