Social Phobia
by James Cowart, Ph.D.
Take the self test at the end of the article.
Social Phobia (also known as Social Anxiety Disorder) is a lot more than simple shyness. While some professionals dismiss those who suffer with anxiety disorders as members of the “worried well”, these disorders can be extremely debilitating. Would you call it a minor problem or a serious one if you knew that people with social phobia often cut short their high school or college work, quit jobs for which they are otherwise well-suited, turn down promotions, avoid meeting new people and avoid dating experiences?
Signs and symptoms of Social Phobia are similar to those of other anxiety disorders and range from inner feelings of shakiness and excessive muscle tension, especially in the neck and shoulders, to extreme panic reactions (e.g., heart racing, sweating, hand tremors, tightness in chest, hyperventilation, and a feeling that one has to escape the situation). Often, an individual with this disorder may obsess about controlling a particular symptom such as blushing or sweating.
This disorder affects millions of people in the U.S. The core of the disorder is an intense fear of being humiliated or embarrassed. The individual often believes that he or she is unworthy or incompetent when compared to others. Situations that might contain some conflict are extremely upsetting and are often avoided. Low self esteem and clinical depression often accompany social phobia. Especially if untreated, the disorder may develop into a lifelong and pervasive personality pattern. Some individuals may also abuse alcohol and other substances to gain temporary relief from their symptoms; however this approach is self-defeating and causes even more substantial problems.
Causes of this disorder include: inherited genetic predisposition, childhood and adolescent experiences and current life-stressors. The disorder is not a sign of “weakness of character” and has nothing to do with an individual’s morality or courage. These negative myths sometimes prevent individuals from getting the treatment that they need.
Years ago there were no effective treatments for Social Phobia. Today we have psychotherapy (e.g., Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy) and several medications which have been shown to be effective in treating this disorder. Individuals with Social Phobia need to seek treatment by discussing the situation with a Psychologist or Clinical Social Worker, the family doctor, or a Psychiatrist. Individuals with Social Phobia need to realize that treatment can provide important assistance to them in using coping skills to make needed changes in their lifestyles of avoidance. Anxiety support groups, group therapy and self-help books are also good ways to get additional help.
Social Phobia Self-Test
- Do you feel lots of tension and stress (e.g., tightness in chest or general muscle tension, increased heart rate, increased perspiration, moist palms, blushing, etc.) when you are in certain social situations?
- Do you frequently worry about being embarrassed in front of others?
- Do you often try and avoid meeting new people, going to parties or getting involved in group discussions?
- Do you often avoid trying new sports or activities when others might be watching?
- If you notice that others are paying attention to you does this bother you?
- Do you dread any potential conflict – even if it is a small one?
- Does tension or anxiety interfere with your social life, education or occupation?
- Has this social anxiety continued for six months or more?
If you answer “yes” to items #1, #7, and #8, as well as to one or more of the other items, then you may be experiencing Social Phobia and you are encouraged to seek out an evaluation from an experienced clinician.
See Therapist Specialty Areas to find a therapist that can help you or a loved one with anxiety problems.