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SOCIAL PHOBIA OR SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER

Social phobia which is also known as social anxiety disorder consists of experiencing overwhelming feelings of anxiety and self-consciousness in everyday social situations. People with this phobia have a constant and intense fear of being watched and judged by other people. This fear can be so intense that it may interfere with work or school and other everyday activities. Even though many people with social phobia realize that their fears are irrational and unnecessary, they can't control the way they react and feel. They may even worry for days or weeks in advance of a dreaded situation.

	Quick Facts			People with Social Phobia

	Symptoms

Social phobia can be limited to just one type of situation in which fear ensues, or it can happen in several. Examples of situations in which social phobia may occur can include but are not limited to the following: fear of speaking in formal or informal situations, eating, drinking, or writing in front of others. In its most severe form, the phobia may ensue any time they are around other people. Social phobia can be very debilitating-it may even keep people from going to work or school on some days.

You may be afraid of being with people other than your family. People with social phobia are aware that their feelings are irrational. Even if they manage to confront what they fear, they usually feel very anxious beforehand and are intensely uncomfortable throughout. Afterward, the unpleasant feelings may linger, as they worry about how they may have been judged or what others may have thought or observed about them.

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