Social anxiety disorder

Social anxiety disorder (also called social phobia) is a condition in which a person is extremely anxious about what they will say or do in front of other people. This includes public speaking and day-to-day social situations. But it's more than just being shy or nervous before public speaking. The fear can start weeks or months before an event.

Some people fear only one or a few types of social situations. For other people, many situations cause stress. This problem affects your daily life. You may be so stressed or afraid that you avoid being in public, such as missing work and school.

Social anxiety disorder causes a fear of being judged or humiliated in public. But it's more than just being shy or nervous before public speaking. It can affect your daily life and activities, including work or school. You may also avoid being around other people. It can cause both emotional and physical symptoms before or during a social event. Emotional symptoms include feeling extremely anxious, nervous, sad, or scared. The anxiety can cause physical symptoms. You may blush, sweat, or feel shaky. Your heart may beat faster than normal. And you may have a hard time focusing. People with social anxiety disorder usually have symptoms for around 6 months or longer.

Symptoms may differ in adults and children. Adults and teens with the disorder usually know that their fears of being publicly humiliated are extreme or excessive. But children who have this disorder may not.

To diagnose social anxiety disorder, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and past health. The doctor may ask other questions to see how you are doing emotionally. Blood or urine tests may also be done. They can rule out other medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms (such as hyperthyroidism).

Treatment of social anxiety disorder includes counseling, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT may use exposure therapy. Exposure therapy involves being guided by a professional counselor to imagine you are facing the feared situation. Treatment may also include taking medicine, such as antidepressants. Whether you need medicine depends on how much the condition affects your life.

You may not seek treatment because you feel anxious about talking to someone about it. Or you may think that you can work things out on your own. But treatment works for many people.

People who have social anxiety disorder often have depression too. They may also have substance use disorder. Your doctor may ask you questions to see if you might be using drugs or drinking too much. If so, your treatment will also need to address these conditions.

Caring for yourself may mean leaving your comfort zone. Find a counselor you like and trust. Talk openly and honestly about your problems. Be open to making some changes. Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Get at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week. Get plenty of sleep.