Most people occasionally feel nervous meeting a new person or speaking in front of a group. People with social anxiety disorder (SAD), however, become overwhelmingly anxious and self-conscious even in everyday social situations.

Theirs is an intense and persistent fear of being scrutinized by others or of doing something embarrassing. Even though they may find their own anxiety unreasonable, they can't overcome it by themselves.

Avoiding Social Situations

As a result, people with social anxiety disorder, or social phobia, tend to avoid the social situations they fear. That can make their situation worse by interfering with work, ordinary activities, and the ability to make friends.

Forcing themselves to enter social situations can go something like this: anxiety before the encounter, intense discomfort during it, and worry afterward about how they were judged.

Social anxiety disorder can be limited to specific situations (such as eating in front of others or talking to authority figures) or so broad that the person feels anxious around almost anyone other than family members.

Common Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder

Up to 13% of U.S. adults will have social anxiety disorder at some point in their life. A recent estimate indicates that about as many American adults have social anxiety disorder as have major depressive disorder.

When people with social anxiety disorder are anticipating or encountering the social situations they fear, they may experience some of the following anxiety symptoms.

Review the list of symptoms.

What Causes Social Anxiety Disorder?

Social anxiety disorder typically begins during the teenage years and continues into adulthood. People may develop the disorder after a childhood history of social inhibition or shyness. Others experience an abrupt onset after a very stressful or humiliating experience.

Like many anxiety disorders, your genes may play a role. If a biological parent or sibling has or has had social anxiety disorder, you're at greater risk for it. Environmental factors, such as an overprotective or hypercritical parenting style, may also be linked with social anxiety disorder.

Chemical abnormalities and overactive areas in the brain may also be at the root. Serotonin is one brain chemical that has been linked to social anxiety disorder, as well as to the depression that often accompanies it. Prescription medication for social anxiety disorder that affects serotonin may help relieve symptoms.

Treatment options are available that can help people with panic disorder. Learn more and take action.

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Panic Disorder
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Antidepressants and Other Treatments
• Tips to Support Treatment