William H. Reading, MD
Psychiatric Disorders
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder is where a person experiences an abnormal fear or uneasiness in social situations:
- Eating or drinking in front of others
- Writing or working in front of others
- Being the center of attention
- Interacting with people, including dating or going to parties
- Asking questions or giving reports in groups
- Using public toilets
- Talking on the telephone
- Going to school
The individual will either experience intense anxiety in social situations, avoid social situations or both. Children with this disorder may express their anxiety by crying, clinging to a parent or throwing a tantrum. Adolescents and adults may experience panic attacks in response to exposure to social situations or have some or all of the following symptoms:
- Confusion
- Pounding heart
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Blushing
- Muscle tension
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea
This disorder may also be referred to as school phobia if the social situation that is being avoided is school.