Social phobia is a strong fear of being judged by others and of being embarrassed. This fear can be so strong that it gets in the way of going to work or school or doing other everyday things.
People with social phobia are afraid of doing common things in front of other people. For example, they might be afraid to sign a check in front of a cashier at the grocery store, or they might be afraid to eat or drink in front of other people, or use a public restroom. Most people who have social phobia know that they shouldn’t be as afraid as they are, but they can’t control their fear. Sometimes, they end up staying away from places or events where they think they might have to do something that will embarrass them. For some people, social phobia is a problem only in certain situations, while others have symptoms in almost any social situation.
Signs and Symptoms
People with social phobia tend to:
- Be very anxious about being with other people and have a hard time talking to them, even though they wish they could
- Be very self-conscious in front of other people and feel embarrassed
- Be very afraid that other people will judge them
- Worry for days or weeks before an event where other people will be
- Stay away from places where there are other people
- Have a hard time making friends and keeping friends
- Blush, sweat, or tremble around other people
- Feel nauseous or sick to their stomach when with other people.
Causes
Social Phobia is caused by a combination of factors:-
- Person’s Genes
- Learned Behaviour
- Developmental factors
- Previous experiences
- Psychological factors
- Biochemical Imbalance
Treatment
Social phobia usually develops in adolescence and it is uncommon for this to develop after the age of 25. Rather with early treatment, the possibility of excellent recovery and subsequently patient leading a normal life is very high. The treatment options for social phobia include:
- Medicine
- Cognitive behaviour therapy
- Social skills training
- Assertiveness training
- Counselling and Psychosocial management.
- Family education, support and intervention.
