Just How Common Is This Social Phobia?
There’s no definitive figures. There’s no accurate way to work out the number of people suffering from paruresis either. That said, surveys over the last few decades suggest that the numbers could be anywhere between just 1% to more than 25% of American citizens. As I said, there isn’t any clear data about this condition on a worldwide basis either. Estimates according to the International Paruresis Association, (which I tend to agree with), suggest that around 7% of Americas population are affected. That’s 21 million people in the US alone! We can therefore assume that it’s pretty common!
So, what we do know for sure is that it’s clearly a serious problem that affects high numbers of people all over the world. I reckon that the IPA estimates are not far off at around 7%.
Associated Symptoms Of Shy Bladder Syndrome
Here`s my explanation of how this social phobia affects an individual`s life. After an initial bad experience, the person anticipates difficulty relieving themselves whenever entering a public toilet. Forceful attempts to control this process fail. Anxiety therefore increases. The increased anxiety then reduces the chances of the individual taking a leak in a public facility even more. And so the problem develops.
Paruretics must then adjust to the medical condition by urinating as often as possible when they are at home. Limiting the intake of water and other fluids when out. Even turning down social invitations so that they can avoid a potential embarrassing situation.
As with many social phobics, people suffering from paruresis practice avoidance behavior. The result briefly reduces the fear that is associated with the inability to pee. However, it reinforces the pattern. Some may not feel particularly worried while in public lavatories. For others the issue can be much worse. Anxiety symptoms, including shaking, heart palpitations, dizziness, sweating and faintness are not unheard of.
It’s a condition that’s rarely talked about. And, since this subject is seldom discussed publicly, most paruretics feel that they`re the only people suffering from it. They also feel embarrassed of their condition and become good at concealing it from their spouses, closest friends and even their doctors. The sense of humiliation, shame, depression and isolation resulting from this situation can be incapacitating. It plays on the mind and can affect standards of life considerably. That’s why it needs addressing and I urge you to take action.
Is The Shy Bladder Social Phobia Treatable?
Shy bladder syndrome is a form of social phobia so treatment options are similar to any other form of social anxiety. They pretty much all involve some form of therapy. I urge you to start with a visit to a urologist though. This will make certain that there is nothing physical causing the problem.
I’ve put together a section on Shy Bladder Cures. Her I look at most of the main treatments options including cognitive behavior therapy, graduated exposure treatment, breath hold, hypnosis for shy bladder and self help programs.
Let me wish you good luck. You CAN overcome shy bladder syndrome!
