What is social anxiety disorder?

Social anxiety disorder causes a fear of social situations. It is also called social phobia. People with this condition have trouble talking or meeting with people. They may have a hard time performing in front of others. They worry that they will embarrass themselves. And they worry that others will judge them and think poorly of them. Social anxiety disorder is not the same as being shy. It is not the same as a normal nervous reaction to public speaking. It causes a much higher level of fear. It often starts days or weeks before an event.

This condition often causes symptoms such as blushing, sweating, shakiness, fast heartbeat, and trouble thinking. It can make you feel anxious, sad, cranky, or grumpy. It may even cause you to withdraw from social settings. This can lead you to miss work or school.

Social anxiety disorder can be treated with medicine and counseling.

If you have social anxiety disorder, even common social situations can cause overwhelming fear and anxiety. You may be afraid to eat in public, meet new people, use a public restroom, or speak in front of others. You may avoid being around other people. This can affect your daily activities, including work or school.

People with social anxiety disorder may underachieve at work or at school to avoid attention or working in a group. They tend to have few friendships. They may have trouble dating or forming relationships. In severe cases, they may have other conditions (such as depression or substance use disorder).

Social anxiety disorder causes a fear of being judged or humiliated in public. But it's more than just being shy or nervous before public speaking. It can affect your daily life and activities, including work or school. You may also avoid being around other people. It can cause both emotional and physical symptoms before or during a social event. Emotional symptoms include feeling extremely anxious, nervous, sad, or scared. The anxiety can cause physical symptoms. You may blush, sweat, or feel shaky. Your heart may beat faster than normal. And you may have a hard time focusing. People with social anxiety disorder usually have symptoms for around 6 months or longer.

Symptoms may differ in adults and children. Adults and teens with the disorder usually know that their fears of being publicly humiliated are extreme or excessive. But children who have this disorder may not.

Treatment of social anxiety disorder includes counseling and sometimes medicine. Whether you need medicine depends on how much the condition affects your daily life. If you already feel anxious around other people, it may be hard to ask for help. But treatment works for many people and can improve your life.

To diagnose social anxiety disorder, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and past health. The doctor may ask other questions to see how you are doing emotionally. Blood or urine tests may also be done. They can rule out other medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms (such as hyperthyroidism).

Caring for yourself may mean leaving your comfort zone. Find a counselor you like and trust. Talk openly and honestly about your problems. Be open to making some changes. Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Get at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week. Get plenty of sleep.

Doctors don't know what causes social anxiety disorder. They think it may run in families. But they aren't sure if it's because of genetics or a response to a traumatic situation.

Social anxiety disorder is a condition in which a person is extremely anxious about what they will say or do in front of other people. But it's more than just being shy or nervous before public speaking. It affects your daily life and activities, including work or school.