Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), also called Social Phobia, is a condition whereby the individual feels overwhelming anxiety and excessive self-consciousness in everyday social situations. In a sense, the individual becomes extremely self-conscious in social environments. People with SAD have a persistent, intense, and chronic fear of being watched and judged by others and being embarrassed or humiliated by their own actions. This fear may be so severe that it interferes with work, school, or any other ordinary social activity.
While many people with Social Anxiety Disorder recognize that their fear of being around people is unusually excessive, they believe that they are unable to overcome it. And often, they worry for days or weeks prior to a social situation.
Social Anxiety Disorder can be limited to one type of situation, like speaking in public, or it can be as severe as to encompass many or all social situations.
Symptoms can include any of the symptoms associated with anxiety disorder, and can often contribute to the anxiety of a social situation because of the fear associated with the symptoms coming at an ‘inopportune time’ or visible enough for others to notice.
Social Anxiety Disorder affects approximately 7% of the population and equally affects women and men. This disorder usually begins in childhood or early adolescence. Social Anxiety Disorder often co-occurs with other anxiety disorders such as depression, substance abuse, Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder.
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Common Anxiety Symptoms
Additional Resources
- For a comprehensive list of Anxiety Disorders Symptoms Signs, Types, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment.
- Anxiety and panic attacks symptoms can be powerful experiences. Find out what they are and how to stop them.
- How to stop an anxiety attack and panic.
- Free online anxiety tests to screen for anxiety. Two minute tests with instant results. Such as:
- Anxiety 101 is a summarized description of anxiety, anxiety disorder, and how to overcome it.
Visit our Anxiety Disorders Signs and Symptoms article.
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