Overview
Social anxiety disorder is an intense, persistent fear of social or performance situations where a person worries about being judged, embarrassed or humiliated. It is far more than ordinary shyness and can lead to avoiding everyday activities like speaking up, eating in public or meeting new people. It responds well to treatment.
Symptoms
- Strong fear of being judged or embarrassed in social settings
- Avoidance of social situations or enduring them with dread
- Physical symptoms such as blushing, sweating, trembling or nausea
- Worrying for days before a social event
- Fear of speaking, eating or performing in front of others
- Difficulty making or keeping friends due to anxiety
Causes & risk factors
- Genetic and temperament factors
- Negative or humiliating past social experiences
- Differences in brain regions that process fear
- Overprotective or critical early environments
Treatment & self-care
Treatment usually centres on talking therapy that gradually builds confidence in feared situations, sometimes with medication a clinician prescribes. A GP, psychiatrist or psychologist guides a step-by-step plan.
See a doctor urgently if
- Fear of social situations limits work, study or relationships
- You avoid activities you would otherwise want to do
- Anxiety leads to isolation or low mood
- You use alcohol or drugs to manage social situations