It is normal to feel anxious or nervous in social situations, for example: meeting unfamiliar people, attending a function or giving a speech or presentation at school or at work. However, people with social anxiety disorder (also known as social phobia) feel highly anxious in those same situations. They have a marked fear or anxiety of social or performance situations in which they are exposed to possible scrutiny by others.
Physical symptoms of social anxiety disorder commonly include:
Social anxiety can be overcome with effective psychotherapy and/or medications. Psychological therapies such as cognitive behaviour therapy, exposure therapy and response prevention therapy can help. Strategies such as relaxation techniques and regular exercise may be helpful in reducing anxiety and are is also good for general mental well-being. Medications may also be prescribed to relieve anxiety symptoms.
