Social Phobia
Social Phobia, or Social Anxiety Disorder, is an anxiety disorder characterized by overwhelming anxiety and excessive self-consciousness in everyday social situations.
Social anxiety disorder can be limited to only one type of situation, such as a fear of speaking in formal or informal situations, or eating or drinking in front of others, or, in its most severe form, may be so broad that a person experiences symptoms almost anytime they are around other people. For a more detailed overview go to Medline Plus.
Signs & Symptoms
People with social phobia have a persistent, intense, and chronic fear of being watched and judged by others and being embarrassed or humiliated by their own actions.
Their fear may be so severe that it interferes with work or school, and other ordinary activities. Physical symptoms often accompany the intense anxiety and include blushing, profuse sweating, trembling, nausea, and difficulty talking. The SP/SAA site has more.
Treatment
Since most fears stem from traumatic events, EMDR, the most effective trauma treatment works well for Social Phobia. At Bill Jacobs LPCC, we use a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and EMDR.
Kids Health has material about Social Phobia oriented towards teens.
Continue on through topic to Causes of Anxiety.
Return from Social Phobia to the Bill Jacobs LPCC Albuquerque web site Home Page.
