Social anxiety disorder is sometimes called social phobia. Social anxiety disorder is not just shyness; it is more severe than this. With social anxiety disorder you become very anxious about what other people may think of you, or how they may judge you. As a result you have great difficulty in social situations, which can affect your day-to-day life.
People with social anxiety become very anxious and self-conscious in everyday social situations. They have an intense, persistent, and chronic fear of being watched and judged by others, and of doing things that will embarrass them. They can worry for days or weeks before a dreaded situation. This fear may become so severe that it interferes with work, school, and other ordinary activities, and can make it hard to make and keep friends.
Symptoms
Some of the most common fears of people with this disorder include:
- Attending parties and other social occasions
- Eating, drinking, and writing in public
- Meeting new people
- Speaking in public
- Using public restrooms
Physical symptoms that often occur include:
- Blushing
- Difficulty talking
- Nausea
- Profuse sweating
- Trembling
When to see a doctor?
Social anxiety disorder symptoms can change over time. They may flare up if you're facing a lot of changes, stress or demands in your life. Although avoiding situations that produce anxiety may make you feel better in the short term, your anxiety is likely to continue over the long term if you don't get treatment.
See your doctor or a mental health professional if you fear and avoid normal social situations because they cause embarrassment, worry or panic.
https://patient.info/mental-health/anxiety/social-anxiety-disorder
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/social-anxiety-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353561
https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/social-anxiety-disorder