Another term for social anxiety disorder is social phobia, and many people don't really know what they mean. Social anxiety is fairly normal, so what makes it a "disorder"? With some examples, it's easier to understand the difference between the terms.
Social Anxiety vs. Social Anxiety Disorder (or Social Phobia)
Nearly everyone has at least a little bit of regular social anxiety, when you get a bit nervous or shy when in social situations. It is especially noticeable when meeting someone new (especially someone of the opposite sex). These feelings are quite common and not really a problem. The main difference between regular anxiety and phobia is that someone with a social phobia has a much more intense fear of being judged badly by others when in social situations. A person with a social phobia is extremely self-conscious, feels watched and always worried about how they are being perceived. They can simply never just relax and be social. People with these phobias don't feel able to make a good impression or to have an interesting conversation. They will avoid social situations as much as possible. It can lead to full-blown panic attacks in severe cases. This phobia can keep people from having a normal life. The constant fear leads them to have very isolated lives as they work to avoid all social contact. It's estimated that anywhere from 3 to 13% of the population have some kind of social anxiety problem.
How Does Someone Develop A Social Anxiety Disorder?
No one yet knows where social anxiety disorders come from. There are many factors that can contribute to its development, but there is no one single cause. Some possible influences include:
Symptoms Of Social Phobias People suffering from social anxiety disorders may have some of the following symptoms, and some may have them all depending on the severity of their phobia. These are some of the physical symptoms:
Aside from the physical symptoms, there are behavioral traits seen in people with social anxiety disorders as well.
People who have social anxiety disorders are in need of real help, but they are unaware how to find this help. They may not even realize that help is available for their problem. Professional help is available, and social phobia are certainly curable with a little effort. If you know someone with a social phobia, let them know that help is out there.
What is Social Anxiety Disorder?