Medical Anthropology investigates the culture of Biomedicine. In the Western cultures, biomedicine has the utmost respect and is highly valued. It explains health in terms of biology, with the emphasis on physiology and anatomy to treat diseases and maintain homeostasis. Biomedicine receives highest authority because it is believed to be based on facts. There are two claims contained in biomedicine. The first claim is called the Claim of Universality- where it is considered to be the ultimate truth and is natural. The second claim is known as the Claim of Objectivity- it assumes that biomedicine is neutral and free of cultural context and human influence. Through medical anthropology, we discovered it is quite contrary; biomedicine is largely influenced by the Western culture (ANP 204, Summer '13).
Being a part of the Western culture, the US believes in medicine as the cure for almost any illnesses. Shyness is no different. It can be treated medically by the prescription with the trade name of Seroxat. Seroxat's active ingredient is paroxetine- an antidepressent that works as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Paroxetine can be prescribed to those with other anxiety disorders like obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, panic, and others. Paroxetine works on the nerve cells in the brain (NetDoctor, 2013).
Serotonin is one of the neurotransmitters in the brain that acts to lighten mood. Biologically, our brain produces these neurotransmitters to produce an effect. Afterwards, it will re-uptake them back into the synapses. People with anxiety disorders have a reduced serotonin release, and medicines like paroxetine allows serotonin to be available longer (NetDoctor, 2013).
Another approach in combating shyness that is free of drugs is realizing that shyness is not a characteristic one is born with, but a social encounter issue. One can practice to better adapt in public and overcome there shyness. Erika Casriel gave these pointers to help a shy person approach a stranger in the first 30 seconds, 1. Reminisce a time when you felt great mentally and physically, explained by therapist Erika Hilliard that when you do this, it helps put you in a good mood. 2, Keep eye contact- to show that you are paying attention to them. 3, Say anything- this shows that you are willing to talk and break the ice (psycologist Bernardo Carducci said). 4, Give extra information- this keeps the conversation going, 5. Don't just walk away- Carducci said to summarize points of connection and express gratitude (Casriel, 2012).
These tips are hard to perform for a shy person, but practice after practices will improve social skills, like any others.
Citations:
Casriel, Erika. "Shedding Shyness", Psychology Today. June 04, 2012. Acessed August 16, 2013. http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200703/shedding-shyness.
"Is there a drug to cure my shyness?". NetDoctor. http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/ate/mentalhealth/204610.html.
"Seroxat (paroxetine)". NetDoctor. http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/depression/medicines/seroxat.html.
Being a part of the Western culture, the US believes in medicine as the cure for almost any illnesses. Shyness is no different. It can be treated medically by the prescription with the trade name of Seroxat. Seroxat's active ingredient is paroxetine- an antidepressent that works as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Paroxetine can be prescribed to those with other anxiety disorders like obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, panic, and others. Paroxetine works on the nerve cells in the brain (NetDoctor, 2013).
Serotonin is one of the neurotransmitters in the brain that acts to lighten mood. Biologically, our brain produces these neurotransmitters to produce an effect. Afterwards, it will re-uptake them back into the synapses. People with anxiety disorders have a reduced serotonin release, and medicines like paroxetine allows serotonin to be available longer (NetDoctor, 2013).
Another approach in combating shyness that is free of drugs is realizing that shyness is not a characteristic one is born with, but a social encounter issue. One can practice to better adapt in public and overcome there shyness. Erika Casriel gave these pointers to help a shy person approach a stranger in the first 30 seconds, 1. Reminisce a time when you felt great mentally and physically, explained by therapist Erika Hilliard that when you do this, it helps put you in a good mood. 2, Keep eye contact- to show that you are paying attention to them. 3, Say anything- this shows that you are willing to talk and break the ice (psycologist Bernardo Carducci said). 4, Give extra information- this keeps the conversation going, 5. Don't just walk away- Carducci said to summarize points of connection and express gratitude (Casriel, 2012).
These tips are hard to perform for a shy person, but practice after practices will improve social skills, like any others.
Citations:
Casriel, Erika. "Shedding Shyness", Psychology Today. June 04, 2012. Acessed August 16, 2013. http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200703/shedding-shyness.
"Is there a drug to cure my shyness?". NetDoctor. http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/ate/mentalhealth/204610.html.
"Seroxat (paroxetine)". NetDoctor. http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/depression/medicines/seroxat.html.