A brief summary of the condition, it’s causes,
common symptoms and treatment pathways
and how Medical Cannabis could help.
A brief summary of the condition, it’s causes,
common symptoms, treatment plans
and how Medical Cannabis can help.
Social phobia, also known as social anxiety disorder, is a mental health condition characterised by intense and persistent fear and anxiety in social situations.
People with Social phobia often worry excessively about how they will be perceived by others.
This may cause people to worry about everyday activities, such as speaking on the phone, going to the supermarket, or working.
People with Social phobia often have symptoms such as feeling sick, sweating, trembling or palpitations. This often leads to avoiding social situations, or in severe cases not leaving the house due to the overwhelming fear and anxiety caused.
Social phobia is a common problem that usually starts in teenage years.
As many as 1 in 10 adults has some degree of Social phobia.
Prevalence has increased in young people since the COVID-19 pandemic.
There is likely to be a genetic predisposition in Social phobia sufferers. Anxiety disorders tend to run in families.
Traumatic or upsetting experiences can often cause Social phobia, or substance misuse, especially alcohol or benzodiazepines.
Childhood shyness, or growing up with overprotective or overcritical parents is also a known cause of Social phobia.
Due to the nature of the disorder, many people do not seek help, because of their anxiety, which can make it difficult to engage in treatment.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for Social phobia. It helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to their social anxiety.
Exposure therapy is a key part of CBT for Social phobia. It involves gradual and systematic exposure to feared social situations, starting with less anxiety-provoking situations and working up to more challenging ones.
Antidepressants, such as SSRIs or SNRIs, are frequently used in Social phobia.
Beta-blockers or benzodiazepines are sometimes prescribed in the short-term for performance anxiety eg social speaking.
For many people, a combination of CBT and medication can be the most effective approach, especially for those with more severe or persistent Social phobia.
The two primary compounds in medical cannabis are the cannabinoids cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). These bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body, and can help with the different symptoms of Social phobia.
Research suggests that CBD can help reduce anxiety and improve mood, which make it beneficial for managing Social phobia.
THC is the compound that produces the “high” and is known to induce euphoria and relaxation. However, high ratios of THC can lead to anxiety and paranoia, which can worsen Social phobia symptoms, so it is important to be prescribed the right balance of these cannabinoids when discussing your symptoms with a specialist.
CBD is non-psychoactive and therefore does not produce a “high”. CBD has shown some promise in reducing anxiety and may have a calming effect. Some studies suggest that CBD could help with anxiety disorders, including Social phobia, without the psychoactive effects of THC.
CBD also contains anti-anxiety properties, which may reduce overall anxiety levels by interacting with serotonin receptors, similar to the way SSRIs work. This would help those with social anxiety feel less overwhelmed in social or performance situations.
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May 2024
Where do I start?! I have to admit I was very nervous, considering I have tried numerous treatments for my fibromyalgia and EDS and had a medical prescription 3 pages long and really complex medical issues. I was in an awfully high level of pain, even with all that.
Every single staff member from reception, nurses, pharmacy and my lovely Dr Vanessa Hutchinson have been consistently friendly, professional, helpful and incredibly fast in progressing me from initial online enquiry to receiving my prescription (just under 2 weeks and we had the Easter 4 day break in-between!).
In this very short time, my pain levels have reduced significantly (as have my other medications!). I cannot recommend this clinic enough. Thanks CB1 MEDICAL 🙂
March 2024
Staff really nice, and keep in touch to monitor my progress and any questions I may have. I feel very comfortable talking about my situation as no judgement or negative feedback. I feel like my life, health and symptoms are being taken seriously but with care.
Follow up appointment over the telephone was relaxed, no rushing, he answered all the questions about my medication and progress without prejudice, sarcasm and was so easy and a breath of fresh air. I can say that if you are thinking of treatment and support like nowhere else then you will be in very caring and professional hands that really do make you feel that you are important and heard with respect and understanding. 5 stars are not enough.
October 2024
My life has been transformed since starting medical cannabis with CB1 Medical.
Dr Richard Pertwee was friendly and so knowledgeable. The relief I’ve experienced has been nothing short of miraculous. The quality of life I now have is something I never thought possible, started to smell the roses eg I’m incredibly grateful to you all.
Highly recommend it to anyone who is struggling or has ineffective medication.
April 2024
I know when you pay for an appointment, you expect a different service, but honestly, this is beyond what I expected. The appointments were scheduled quickly, and happened within days, mostly late evenings to fit around my work. The doctors listen and I didn’t feel like I was being judged as just a junkie after pain meds. That’s how I feel in an NHS appointment.
The meds were delivered quickly and I got to using them right away. In the last 11 days, I’ve used painkillers once, and only paracetamol. This is down from multiple painkillers multiple times every single day. And I sleep so much better as well.
