social phobia

It's normal to feel nervous in some social situations. For example, going on a date or giving a presentation may cause that feeling of butterflies in your stomach.

Social anxiety disorder can be a chronic mental health condition, but learning coping skills in psychotherapy and taking medications can help you gain confidence and improve your ability to interact with others.

Symptoms

In contrast to everyday nervousness, social anxiety disorder includes fear, anxiety and avoidance that interfere with relationships, daily routines, work, school or other activities. Social anxiety disorder typically begins in the early to mid-teens, though it can sometimes start in younger children or in adults.

Emotional and behavioral symptoms

1) Fear of situations in which you may be judged negatively.

2) Worry about embarrassing or humiliating yourself.

3) Fear that others will notice that you look anxious.

4) Avoidance of situations where you might be the center of attention.

5) Anxiety in anticipation of a feared activity or event.

you experience intense fear and anxiety during speaking or performing in public but not in other types of more general social situations.

Physical symptoms

1) Blushing

2) Fast heartbeat

3) Trembling

4) Sweating

5) Upset stomach or nausea

6) Dizziness or lightheadedness

Social anxiety disorder symptoms can change over time. They may flare up if you're facing a lot of changes, stress or demands in your life. 

your anxiety is likely to continue over the long term if you don't get treatment.

Epidemiological studies have identified two subtypes of social phobia: speaking-only social phobia which is characterized by the fear of public speaking situations and complex social phobia which is characterized by the fear of multiple social situations.

Risk factors:

Several factors can increase the risk of developing social anxiety disorder, including:

Family history. You're more likely to develop social anxiety disorder if your biological parents or siblings have the condition.

Temperament. Children who are shy, timid, withdrawn or restrained when facing new situations or people may be at greater risk.

Having an appearance or condition that draws attention. For example, facial disfigurement, stuttering or tremors due to Parkinson's disease can increase feelings of self-consciousness and may trigger social anxiety disorder in some people.

What Happens With Social Anxiety?

People with social anxiety can usually interact easily with family and a few close friends. But because of extreme shyness, meeting new people, talking in a group, or speaking in public can become an extreme fear. Everyday social situations become uncomfortable.

Social anxiety is a fear reaction to something that isn’t actually dangerous — but the body and mind react as if the danger is real. This is a response called “fight or flight.” It’s caused by a rush of adrenaline and other chemicals that prepare you to fight or make a quick getaway.

Behaviors learned from role models (especially parents): If parents or others overprotect a shy child, the child won’t have a chance to get used to new people and situations. Over time, shyness can build into social anxiety.

Life events and experiences: If cautious people have stressful experiences, it can make them more shy and cautious. Feeling pressured to interact in ways they don’t feel ready for, being criticized or humiliated, or having other fears and worries can make social anxiety worse.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Social Anxiety?

Often, social anxiety starts in childhood. Emotionally, a person may feel self-conscious and uncomfortable about being noticed or judged by others. They might fear being embarrassed, looking foolish, making a mistake, or being criticized or laughed at.

Your body may have signs and symptoms like a fast heartbeat, breathing quickly, shaking, sweating, or blushing. You may also have nausea, avoid eye contact, or feel like your mind has gone blank.