Most people at times feel awkward or uncomfortable in certain social situations. However, people with Social Anxiety Disorder, also called Social Phobia, experience overwhelming anxiety and extreme self-consciousness in everyday social situations. They have a persistent, intense, and chronic fear of being stared at and judged by others and of being embarrassed or humiliated by their own actions. Social Anxiety Disorder can be limited to only one type of situation, such as a fear of public speaking, or in a more severe, generalized form, the individual may experience distress almost anytime they are around other people. Common examples of the various fears a socially anxious individual may experience include panic about being at a party and not knowing what to say, having difficulty speaking with your boss at work because you are terrified of sounding incompetent, and worrying about looking odd or anxious in case you blush and turn so red or profusely sweat that everyone notices. The fear of visible physical symptoms intensifies the fear of disapproval and creates a vicious cycle as people with social phobia worry about experiencing the symptoms, the greater their chances of developing the symptoms. Social anxiety can be so debilitating it prevents people from going to work or school and creates worry for days or weeks in advance of a dreaded situation. Thus, many socially anxious people have difficulty making new friends and maintaining relationships, advancing in their careers, dating and engaging in intimate relationships.

Describe treatment>>