Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)
Do You Have Social Anxiety Disorder?
Social phobia, or social anxiety disorder, affects more than 13 percent of Americans. It is a real and serious health problem that responds to treatment. The first step is seeking help. If you suspect that you have Social Anxiety Disorder or Social Phobia take a self-test and show the results to your doctor or counselor.
MORE INFORMATION
To download ADAA’s new brochure on Social Anxiety Disorder, click here.
GET HELP
For information or to talk to a professional, contact the Creighton Counseling Center at 280-2733.
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), or social phobia, is characterized by an intense fear of being scrutinized and negatively evaluated by others in social or performance situations. Some people with SAD literally feel "sick from fear" in seemingly non-threatening situations, such as ordering food in a restaurant, signing one's name in public or making a phone call. Though they recognize that the fear is excessive and unreasonable, people with SAD feel powerless against their anxiety. They are terrified they will act in a way that will be embarrassing or humiliating. The anxiety can interfere significantly with daily routines, occupational performance or social life. It can make it difficult to complete school, interview and obtain jobs and create and maintain friendships and romantic partnerships.
Physical symptoms of SAD include:
- blushing
- sweating
- trembling
- nausea
- rapid heartbeat
- dizziness
- headaches
SAD may be selective and usually begins in childhood or adolescence. Some people may have an intense fear of a single social or performance circumstance such as giving a speech, talking to a salesperson or making a phone call, but be perfectly comfortable in other social settings. Others may have a more generalized form of SAD, becoming anxious in a variety of routine activities in which their performance might be observed, such as initiating or maintaining a conversation with strangers or people in authority, participating in meetings or classes, or attending parties or dating.