Definition : Social Phobia

Social phobia is a serious anxiety disorder. It is an intense discomfort in which a person fears to act in a humiliating and embarrassing way, in front of others.

In a social environment, the person feels a strong irrational and persistent fear. Exposure to social situations causes an immediate and uncontrollable reaction of anxiety, which leads to panic attacks expressed by acute physical sensations such as palpitations, hyperventilation and dizziness. The fear of panic attacks leads to the avoidance of socializing. In spite of the avoidance behavior, the constant presence of the psychosocial pain comes from a sense of (social) isolation and distress. Many social phobics are incapable of working in the outside world and are also incapable of pursuing a social life.

Public speeches; eating or drinking in front of others; going to a job interview; going in public washrooms; writing in front of one or a few persons; walking in front of a group; sitting in a waiting room; taking the elevator, travelling by bus or being in a crowded subway.

Situations where someone finds himself or herself being observed:

1. Contact with strangers, friends or even family members.

2. Telephone conversations.

3. Attending social events: parties, weddings, funerals, business meetings.

4. Meeting a new boss or making a presentation, participating in group activities.

5. Asking for a refund in a store.

6. Eating or writing in public, using the public restroom.

7. Maintaining eye contact in a conversation, talking with the opposite sex.

8. Interacting with an authority figure or having to be assertive.

Situations when a person may feel observed:

1. Giving a talk in front of a group of people.

2. Eating or writing in public.

3. Joining or leaving a social situation.

4. Working with co-workers.

5. Praticing team sport.

6. Using the public restroom.

7. Sitting in a waiting room.

8. Taking a crowded bus, elevator, train.

9. Walking in front people.

There are three levels of "shyness":

1. Shyness: People feel a light discomfort, temporally.

2. Social anxiety: People will feel some physical symptoms during social interaction, such as: blushing - trembling - stammering - sweating - heart racing - dry mouth - nausea - muscle tension

3. Social phobia: People will experience these physical symptoms before, during and after the social interaction and will avoid all social situations.