Social Anxiety Disorder
What is Social Anxiety Disorder?
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), also called social phobia, is a debilitating anxiety disorder in which individuals fear being judged, ridiculed, and humiliated in social situations. These fears may arise in one area or across many routine settings. For example, it may be hard to speak to new people, eat in front of others, or go out on a date. Often, people with social anxiety disorder worry that others will notice their anxiety and that they will be rejected as a result. Those suffering frequently avoid settings where they may encounter new people, as making eye-contact and engaging in conversation is usually quite distressing. Over time, this avoidance can leave a person feeling isolated, detached from the world, and very lonely.
Common Symptoms
Intense fear in social settings
Worries about being seen as boring, stupid, offensive, or unlikable
Blushing, trembling, sweating
Avoiding situations with strangers or new acquaintances
Withdrawal from others
Feelings of loneliness
I am a very shy person. Will I develop Social Anxiety Disorder?
Many people feel shy at times, especially when meeting someone for the first time or speaking in front of strangers. Shyness, while uncomfortable, is different from the intense fear and anxiety that individuals with SAD experience in social settings. Also, feeling shy does not necessarily mean that a person is worrying about judgment and rejection. It is estimated that a very small percentage of Americans who describe themselves as shy have social anxiety disorder. That said, people with SAD can also be shy, so if shyness starts to prevent important areas of functioning (e.g. friendships, school/work), it is important to consult a trained mental health professional for assessment.
How can I start to feel better?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an empirically-supported approach to treating Social Anxiety Disorder by examining thought processes and emotions around fears of judgment as well as the behavioral responses to those thoughts. By understanding this relationship clearly, a person can then practice new ways of approaching social situations and learn that their fears are unfounded. These changes are typically achieved through thought monitoring and exposure therapy. Examples of exposure might be going to a store and deliberately asking an employee a question, or maintaining eye contact while chatting during check out at a grocery store. Exposure may also be something like responding to a text or posting on social media. Before an exposure, a person might be asked to hypothesize about what they think will happen then review the “evidence” to support or refute the initial belief. Through frequent and gradual practice, a person can learn that situations are not dangerous, can experience less distress in social settings, and can feel more connected.