Are you shy around people? If so, you have something in common with up to 50% of the population. But a smaller number of people become so sick with fear around others that they suffer from a severe disorder known as Social Anxiety Disorder.

More than exaggerated shyness, Social Anxiety Disorder (sometimes called Social Phobia) is an inability to perform certain behaviors while others are watching. The most common form is public speaking — but also includes things like performing on stage, eating a restaurant, writing a check for a cashier, and, primarily for men, using a public urinal.

What is common about each of these situations is the person is required to do something while knowing that others may be watching and, to some extent, evaluating. When they’re alone, they tend to have no problems doing any of these things.

Up to 13% of people report having this disorder at some time in their lives, making it the third most common psychiatric disorder. But one of the most troubling findings is that 36% of people who have it report experiencing symptoms for 10 or more years before seeking help.
Social Anxiety Disorder is often selective. Some people may have an intense fear of talking to a salesperson or giving a speech, but they may be comfortable in other similar settings. Other people may become anxious during routine activities such as starting a conversation with a stranger or a person in authority, participating in meetings or classes, or dating and attending parties.

Although they recognize that the fear is excessive and unreasonable, people with social anxiety disorder feel powerless against their anxiety. They are terrified they will embarrass or humiliate themselves. The anxiety can interfere significantly with their jobs and social life, making it difficult to do everyday activities and have friendships and romantic relationships.
Physical symptoms of social anxiety disorder may include blushing, profuse sweating, trembling, nausea, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, and headaches.

Social anxiety disorder usually begins in childhood or adolescence. But how do people develop this disorder? It is thought that first person inherits a biological vulnerability to be anxious or socially inhibited. Then that person is in a very stressful or even a traumatic social situation where he performs poorly or may even have a panic attack. He then learns to become anxious in other similar social situations and generally tries to avoid them.
Anti-anxiety and Anti-depressant medications are sometimes prescribed for those with this disorder.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy has also been shown to be highly effective with Social Anxiety Disorder, especially when combined with group therapy that uses behavioral techniques to help the person have more successful and effective social experiences.
If you would like more information about this or other anxiety disorders, visit the Anxiety Disorders Association of America website at www.adaa.org

If you would like to know more about me you may go to my website at drgreg.com .

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