Social Anxiety Disorder

Social Anxiety Disorder

The persistent fear of social or performance situations in which embarrassment may occur is a key feature of social anxiety disorder or social phobia. Exposure to the social or performance situation almost invariably provokes an immediate anxiety response. In extreme cases panic attacks, anxiety attacks and/or losing consciousness can be observed.

Symptoms

The diagnosis is appropriate only if the avoidance, fear, or anxious anticipation of encountering the social or performance situation interferes significantly with the person's daily routine, occupational functioning, or social life, or if the person is markedly distressed about having the phobia for at least 6 months.

Individuals with Social Phobia experience concerns about the embarrassment and are afraid that others will judge them to be anxious, weak, "crazy," or stupid. They may fear public speaking because of concern that others will notice their trembling hands or voice or they may experience extreme anxiety when conversing with others because of fear that they will appear inarticulate.

They may avoid eating, drinking, or writing in public because of a fear of being embarrassed by having others see their hands shake.

Diagnosis

DSM-5 criteria for social anxiety disorder include:

• Persistent, intense fear or anxiety about specific social situations because you believe you may be judged, embarrassed or humiliated
• Avoidance of anxiety-producing social situations or enduring them with intense fear or anxiety
• Excessive anxiety that's out of proportion to the situation
• Anxiety or distress that interferes with your daily living
• Fear or anxiety that is not better explained by a medical condition, medication or substance abuse

Treatment

Treatment depends on how much social anxiety disorder affects your ability to function in daily life. The two most common types of treatment for social anxiety disorder are psychotherapy (also called psychological counseling or talk therapy) or medications or both.