What is Social Phobia?

Answer:

Social Phobia, or Social Anxiety Disorder, is an anxiety disorder characterized by overwhelming anxiety and excessive self-consciousness in everyday social situations. Social phobia can be limited to only one type of situation—such as a fear of speaking in formal or informal situations, or eating or drinking in front of others—or, in its most severe form, may be so broad that a person experiences symptoms almost anytime they are around other people.

Learn More:

• Social Phobia (National Institutes of Mental Health)
• Women's Mental Health: Social Phobia (or Social Anxiety Disorder) (WomensHealth.gov)
• Normal Adjustment and the Adjustment Disorders (National Cancer Institute)

Last Updated: 5/7/2008