Overview

Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is characterized by significant anxiety, self-consciousness, and embarrassment in everyday social situations. The fear of being judged negatively by others leads to avoidance behaviors that can disrupt one's life. While feeling nervous in social situations is normal, social anxiety disorder causes more severe distress and interference with daily activities.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of social anxiety disorder may include:

• Fear of being judged negatively
• Worry about embarrassing oneself
• Fear of interacting with strangers
• Concern about appearing anxious
• Fear of physical symptoms like blushing or sweating
• Avoidance of social situations or activities
• Anticipation of anxiety in social events
• Intense fear or anxiety during social situations
• Overanalyzing social interactions
• Expecting negative consequences from social experiences

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

Common social situations that may be challenging for individuals with social anxiety disorder include interacting with strangers, attending social gatherings, starting conversations, making eye contact, dating, and eating in front of others.

When to See a Doctor

If fear and avoidance of normal social situations cause embarrassment, worry, or panic, it's essential to see a doctor or a mental health professional for evaluation and potential treatment.

Causes

Social anxiety disorder likely arises from a combination of biological and environmental factors, such as inherited traits, brain structure affecting fear responses, and learned behaviors from negative social experiences or parental influences.

Risk Factors

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

Complications

Left untreated, social anxiety disorder can significantly impact one's life, leading to low self-esteem, poor social skills, isolation, substance abuse, and even suicidal tendencies. It can also co-occur with other mental health disorders, like major depressive disorder and substance abuse.

Prevention

While it's challenging to predict anxiety disorder development, some preventive steps include seeking help early, keeping a journal to identify stress triggers and coping strategies, setting priorities in life to manage time and energy, and avoiding unhealthy substance use.