Social Anxiety Disorder
 
Do you :
 
  • Often have an overwhelming and persistent fear when in
    •      social or performance situations?
  • Find yourself avoiding these situations so that you don't
    •      experience these feelings?
    If so, you may have a very common and treatable medical condition called social anxiety disorder.
     
    There is hope for people who experience social anxiety disorder; in fact, many people begin to feel better after getting treatment.
     
    We all experience worry or discomfort in certain social situations. It's normal. But when these feelings become so strong that you go out of your way to avoid social or performance situations where you may be judged or evaluated by others, you may have social anxiety disorder, or social phobia.

    Social anxiety disorder is more common than you may think. Approximately 15 million Americans have social anxiety disorder in any given year. The disorder usually begins in childhood or early adolescence.
     
    Support and medication
     
    Doctors use a set of questions to help determine whether you have social anxiety disorder. These questions focus on fears and anxieties surrounding being in social situations. They might also explore other problems, such as substance abuse or depression, which often accompany social anxiety disorder.

    Treatment can involve medications, talk therapy, or both. Often, ongoing treatment is recommended to prevent your social anxiety disorder from returning after your symptoms have improved.
     
    Next: Common Symptoms