Social Anxiety Disorder

Social Anxiety Disorder is a mental health condition characterized by an intense and persistent fear of being judged, embarrassed, or humiliated in social interactions (e.g., having a conversation, meeting unfamiliar people, being observed eating or drinking, or performing in front of others. This fear often leads to avoiding or enduring these situations with significant distress.

Types of Social Anxiety Disorder

Generalized Social Anxiety Disorder

Fear of most social situations (e.g., interacting with strangers, group conversations, or attending social gatherings) often impacts work, school, and personal relationships.

Performance-Only Social Anxiety Disorder

Fear is tied to performance situations (e.g., public speaking, presentations, or playing musical instruments). Individuals may function well in other social settings but struggle when observed or evaluated.

Key Features of Social Anxiety Disorder

• An intense fear of judgment or embarrassment in front of others, including fears of criticism, rejection, or humiliation

• Fear of interacting with strangers and concern that others will notice your anxiety during interactions.

• Fear that physical symptoms of anxiety may lead to embarrassment, such as blushing, sweating, trembling, or shaky voice.

• Avoiding social situations where one might be watched, criticized, or evaluated.

• Distress and impairment affect daily life, relationships, and overall quality of life.

• Anticipatory anxiety and excessive worry about future events or interactions, sometimes occurring days or weeks beforehand.

• Post-event analysis and reflection of one’s performance and identification of perceived flaws after a social interaction

• Symptoms last for six months or more.

Physical Symptoms of Anxiety

These symptoms can occur before, during, or even after the social situation:

• Blushing

• Sweating

• Trembling

• Rapid heart rate

• Shortness of breath

• Nausea or upset stomach

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Feeling that your mind has gone blank

• Muscle tension

Commonly Avoided Social Interactions

• Interacting with unfamiliar people or strangers

• Attending parties or social gatherings

• Going to work or school

• Starting conversations

• Making eye contact

• Dating

• Entering a room in which people are already seated

• Returning items to a store

• Eating in front of others

• Using a public restroom

Treatment Options

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP)

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Mindfulness

When to Seek Help for Social Anxiety Disorder

• If your fear of social situations causes significant distress or interferes with daily life (e.g., work, school, or relationships)

• If you find yourself avoiding social interactions or enduring them with overwhelming anxiety

• If physical symptoms (e.g., sweating, shaking, nausea) are frequent and hard to control

• If you experience low self-esteem or persistent feelings of loneliness

• If your symptoms are leading to depression, substance use, or thoughts of self-harm

Resources for Further Reading on Social Anxiety Disorder

• Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)

• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

• Social Anxiety Support Forum