Social Phobia - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Social Phobia is an anxiety disorder where the sufferer fears being negatively judged or evaluated by others. Social phobia typically manifests in early adolescence (ie, aged 11-12 years) but may appear in younger children or older adults. People with social phobia have an intense, persistent, and chronic fear of being watched and judged by others and of doing things that will embarrass them. Social anxiety can be related to shyness. Social phobia can be limited to one situation (such as talking to people, eating or drinking, or writing on a blackboard in front of others) or may be so broad (such as in generalized social phobia) that the person experiences anxiety around almost anyone other than the family. Social phobia often leads to extreme social isolation in children and can be a precursor to depression. In adults, academic and occupational functioning also may be affected; often, people with social phobia have significant trouble forming relationships with others. Many people with this illness have a hard time making and keeping friends. Some people are so upset by their social phobia that they develop a depressive illness. Social phobia disrupts normal life, interfering with career or social relationships.