Social Phobia (or Social Anxiety Disorder)

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Social phobia, also called social anxiety disorder, is diagnosed when people become overwhelmingly anxious and very self-conscious in everyday social situations. People with social phobia have an intense fear of being watched and judged by others and of doing things that will embarrass them. They can worry for days or weeks before a dreaded situation. This fear may become so severe that it interferes with work, school, and other ordinary activities, and can make it hard to make and keep friends.

Physical symptoms that often accompany social phobia include blushing, sweating, trembling, nausea, and difficulty talking. When these symptoms occur, people with social phobia feel as though all eyes are focused on them.

Social phobia affects about 15 million American adults.

Additional Resources

Publications

Social Phobia (Social Anxiety Disorder) — This easy-to-read booklet on social phobia (social anxiety disorder) explains what it is, when it starts, how long it lasts, and how to get help.
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/social-phobia-social-anxiety-disorder/index.shtml...
Social Anxiety Disorder (Copyright © Anxiety Disorders Association of America) — This brochure explains the difference between normal anxiety and social anxiety disorder (SAD). It answers some basic questions about SAD, offers advice on how to manage your anxiety, and provides resources for getting help.
http://www.adaa.org/bookstore/Brochures/SAD_adaa.pdf
Social Anxiety Disorder (Copyright © Madison Institute of Medicine) — This Web site provides information on social anxiety disorder, including a quiz users can take to see if they might be affected. It also lists treatment resources.
http://socialanxiety.factsforhealth.org/
Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia) (Copyright © ADAA) — This fact sheet describes Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) and links to books and a self-test for SAD.
http://www.adaa.org/GettingHelp/AnxietyDisorders/SocialPhobia.asp
Social Anxiety Disorder and Alcohol Abuse (Copyright © Anxiety Disorders Association of America) — It isn’t unusual for people with social anxiety disorder to also have a problem with alcohol abuse. This fact sheet can help you determine if your alcohol use is becoming a problem, and if so, where you can get help.
http://www.adaa.org/gettinghelp/MFarchives/SocialAnxietyAlcoholAbuse.asp
Social Anxiety Disorder and Social Phobia (Copyright © Helpguide.org) — This fact sheet describes different situations in which someone with social anxiety disorder would feel anxious, and explains the symptoms and treatment of the disorder.
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/social_anxiety_support_symptom_causes_treatment.htm...
Social Anxiety Disorder Self-Test (Copyright © Anxiety Disorders Association of America) — This self-test can help you determine if the social discomfort you feel is part of social anxiety disorder. Your doctor can interpret the results, and if necessary, recommend treatment options for you.
http://www.adaa.org/GettingHelp/SelfHelpTests/selftest_socialpho.asp
Social Phobia (Copyright © Nemours Foundation) — This fact sheet is written for teens but has great advice about overcoming social phobia for people of all ages. It contains a breathing exercise for relaxation and tips for defeating negative self-talk.
http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/mental_health/social_phobia.html

Organizations

= Indicates Federal Resources