Social Anxiety Disorder | Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA

10.19.2009

The defining feature of social anxiety disorder, also called social phobia, is intense anxiety or fear of being judged, negatively evaluated, or rejected in a social or performance situation. People with social anxiety disorder may worry about acting or appearing visibly anxious (e.g., blushing, stumbling over words), or being viewed as stupid, awkward, or boring. As a result, they often avoid social or performance situations, and when a situation cannot be avoided, they experience significant anxiety and distress. Many people with social anxiety disorder also experience strong physical symptoms, such as a rapid heart rate, nausea, and sweating, and may experience full-blown attacks when confronting a feared situation. Although they recognize that their fear is excessive and unreasonable, people with social anxiety disorder often feel powerless against their anxiety.

Social anxiety disorder affects approximately 15 million American adults and is the second most commonly diagnosed anxiety disorder following specific phobia. The average age of onset for social anxiety disorder is during the teenage years. Although individuals diagnosed with social anxiety disorder commonly report extreme shyness in childhood, it is important to note that this disorder is not simply shyness. Read about the difference.

Social anxiety disorder can wreak havoc on the lives of those who suffer from it. For example, individuals may decline a job opportunity that requires frequent interaction with new people or avoid going out to eat with friends due to a fear that their hands will shake when eating or drinking. Symptoms may be so extreme that they disrupt daily life and can interfere significantly with daily routines, occupational performance, or social life, making it difficult to complete school, interview and get a job, and have friendships and romantic relationships. People with social anxiety disorder are also at an increased risk for developing major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorders.

Despite the availability of effective treatments, fewer than 5% of people of with social anxiety disorder seek treatment in the year following initial onset and more than a third of people report symptoms for 10 or more years before seeking help.

To learn more in-depth about Social Anxiety Disorder and treatments, check out ADAA's Patient Guide to Mood and Anxiety Disorders.

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What is Paruresis (Shy Bladder Syndrome)? - Podcast
Social Anxiety in Teens & How to Treat It
Overcoming Social Anxiety: Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) to Build Self-Confidence and Lessen Self-Consciousness - ADAA public webinar
What to Do When Your Kid Won't Let Go - Expert Tips for Overcoming Separation Anxiety - ADAA public webinar
How to Help Clients Overcome Social Anxiety, Part 2: Using Experiments to Build Self-Confidence - ADAA professional webinar
How to Help Clients Overcome Social Anxiety Part 1 - ADAA professional webinar
How to Overcome COVID Re-entry Anxiety - ADAA public webinar

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ADAA Publication: Triumph Over Shyness: Conquering Social Anxiety Disorder, Second Edition

This ADAA publication is full of practical tips, helpful techniques, and more to help manage anxious thoughts and physical symptoms of social anxiety disorder.

Read an excerpt of Triumph Over Shyness: Conquering Social Anxiety Disorder. Using humor, warmth, and language that is easy to understand, authors Murray Stein, MD, MPH, and John Walker, PhD, explain what causes social anxiety disorder, how it impacts social and romantic relationships, and what treatments work. Order your copy today.