Also Known As:
Social Anxiety Disorder, social anxiety,
interpersonal anxiety Common Misspellings:
social fobia, social anziety disorder
Related Resources:
Facts
about Social Phobia Can
you Pee in Public? Elsewhere on the Web:
Social
Anxiety Resources The
Anxiety Panic Internet Resource
Definition:
Social phobia often begins in adolescence as
a fear of scrutiny by other people leading to avoidance of social situations.
Unlike most phobias, social phobia is equally common in men and women. The
disorder can be circumscribed (i.e. restricted interactions
with the opposite sex, to eating in public, to public speaking) or
global, involving almost all social situations outside the family. Social
phobia is usually accompanied by low self-esteem and fear of criticism. Direct
eye contact may be particularly stressful in some cultures. The
disorder may initially present as a complaint of flushing, hand tremor, nausea,
or urgency of urination - the person believing that one of these manifestations
of anxiety is the primary problem. Symptoms may progress to anxiety
attacks and panic attacks in the presence of others. Avoidance of other people
can be extreme, and may result in almost complete social isolation.
Related Terms
• Generalized
Anxiety Disorder
• Panic Disorder
• Major Depression
Is
Anyone Allergic to People?
Social Phobia gets a new ad campaign
Detailed information about this disorder, also known as Social Anxiety Disorder.
If you have a shy bladder you may have paruresis. Learn how to overcome this
problem.
Social
Anxiety - Factsforhealth.org
Information about effective treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder from the
Madison Institute of Medicine.
from the Panic/Anxiety Guide
is "a grass roots project" with lots of information on anxiety and
panic.
<Back to Last Page> <Full Glossary>
Social
Phobia
<Back to Last Page> <Full Glossary>
Explore Mental Health
Must Reads
More from About.com
Work Hard, Travel Easy
The best tips for business travelers.Dog Care
Get tips on training and caring for dogs of all ages.48 Hours in Vegas
Plan a hot weekend in Sin City.Hotel Advice
The must-stay hotels worldwide.
Also from About.com:
©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.
All rights reserved.