What is social phobia?

Social anxiety or social phobia is a very common phobia where the sufferer feels intense anxiety in situations where they may be put on the spot, judged and criticised. They worry how others perceive them and lack of confidence and low self esteem is always an underlying factor. Social anxiety encompasses a wide variety of symptoms and behaviours, all of which can be very distressing to the individual concerned. As with many anxiety based problems, the severity of the symptoms are inextricably linked to the levels of external stress the individual is coping with. This however then creates a vicious circle as the symptoms themselves then create further stress.

Symptoms of social phobia / social anxiety

• Panic attacks
• Shy bladder syndrome (Pareuresis)
• Shy Bowel (Parcopresis)
• Feeling uncomfortable in company, socially or at work
• Intense sweating
• Fearful of authority figures
• Dislike of eating in public
• Overly sensitive to criticism
• Extreme anxiety prior to exams or interviews
• Dislike of using the phone
• Agoraphobia, fear of leaving the comfort zone of home
• Fear of writing letters, e-mails etc
• Use of alcohol to lower inhibitions
• Low self-esteem, Lack of confidence
• Intense blushing
• Stuttering and stammering
• Unable to maintain eye contact
• Fear of being found out, not being good enough
• Unable to be assertive