Social phobia is a persistent and irrational fear of situations that may involve scrutiny or judgment by others, such as parties and other social events.
Alternative Names:
Phobia - social
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Social phobias are characterized by fear and avoidance of situations in which a person may be subject to the scrutiny of others. It may begin in adolescence and may be associated with overprotective parents or limited social opportunity. Males and females are affected equally with this disorder.
People with social phobia are at high risk for alcohol or other drug dependence, because they may come to rely on drink or drugs to relax in social situations.
Symptoms:
Social phobia is different from shyness. Shy people are able to participate in social functions, but people with social phobia are constrained by their condition to the point that it affects their ability to function in work and relationships.
Some of the most common fears of people with social phobia include:
Description of behavior from family, friends, and affected person
Review Date: 11/15/2006
Reviewed By: Paul Ballas, D.O., Department of Psychiatry, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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