Overview

Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is characterized by significant anxiety, self-consciousness, and embarrassment in everyday social interactions. It goes beyond normal feelings of nervousness in social situations and can lead to avoidance behaviors that disrupt daily life. Social anxiety disorder can be a chronic mental health condition, but with the right treatment, individuals can gain confidence and improve their ability to interact with others.

Symptoms

Social anxiety disorder symptoms include:

• Fear of negative judgment in social situations
• Worry about embarrassing or humiliating oneself
• Fear of interacting with strangers
• Fear that others will notice anxious behavior
• Fear of physical symptoms causing embarrassment (blushing, sweating, etc.)
• Avoidance of social activities and interactions
• Anxiety in anticipation of feared activities
• Intense fear or anxiety during social situations
• Overanalyzing social interactions and identifying flaws
• Expectation of negative consequences from social situations

In children, social anxiety may be shown through crying, temper tantrums, clinging to parents, or refusal to speak in social settings.

Physical Symptoms

Physical signs and symptoms that may accompany social anxiety disorder include blushing, fast heartbeat, trembling, sweating, upset stomach, dizziness, and muscle tension.

Avoiding Common Social Situations

Individuals with social anxiety disorder may find it challenging to endure everyday experiences, such as interacting with strangers, attending social gatherings, going to work or school, starting conversations, making eye contact, dating, and more.

When to See a Doctor

If you fear and avoid normal social situations due to embarrassment, worry, or panic, it's essential to seek help from a doctor or mental health professional.

Causes

The causes of social anxiety disorder are likely a combination of biological and environmental factors, such as genetics, brain structure, and learned behavior from negative experiences or overprotective parenting.

Risk Factors

Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing social anxiety disorder, including family history, negative experiences, shy temperament, new social or work demands, and having an appearance or condition that draws attention.

Complications

Left untreated, social anxiety disorder can have various complications, including low self-esteem, difficulty being assertive, negative self-talk, hypersensitivity to criticism, poor social skills, isolation, academic and employment problems, substance abuse, and even suicidal thoughts or attempts. Other mental health disorders, particularly major depressive disorder and substance abuse, often co-occur with social anxiety disorder.

Prevention

While it may not be possible to predict anxiety disorders' development, certain steps can reduce symptoms' impact:

• Seek help early
• Keep a journal to identify stressors and coping strategies
• Set priorities in life and engage in enjoyable activities
• Avoid unhealthy substance use