Social phobia involves a fear of embarrassment or humiliation in situations where you may be exposed to the scrutiny and judgment of others or you must perform. It is a fear of being with other people which can cause significant restrictions on the way in which an individual can lead their life. This can make it hard to eat out or speak to other people, particularly if you are meeting someone for the first time or at parties. Show
The most common form of social phobia is a fear of speaking in public. Other social phobias include:
People can also experience a number of physical symptoms such as a very dry mouth, sweating, palpitations, wanting to pass water or empty their bowels and a feeling of numbness or pins and needles in their fingers and toes. If you need help with a social phobia click here Social anxiety disorder, also called social phobia, is a long-term and overwhelming fear of social situations. It's a common problem that usually starts during the teenage years. It can be very distressing and have a big impact on your life. For some people it gets better as they get older. But for many people it does not go away on its own without treatment. It's important to get help if you are having symptoms. There are treatments that can help you manage it. Symptoms of social anxietySocial anxiety is more than shyness. It's a fear that does not go away and affects everyday activities, self confidence, relationships and work or school life. Many people occasionally worry about social situations, but someone with social anxiety feels overly worried before, during and after them. You may have social anxiety if you:
Many people with social anxiety also have other mental health issues, such as depression, generalised anxiety disorder or panic disorder. When to get help for social anxietyIt's a good idea to see a GP if you think you have social anxiety, especially if it's having a big impact on your life. It's a common problem and there are treatments that can help. Asking for help can be difficult, but a GP will be aware that many people struggle with social anxiety and will try to put you at ease. They'll ask you about your feelings, behaviours and symptoms to find out about your anxiety in social situations. If they think you could have social anxiety, you'll be referred to a mental health specialist to have a full assessment and talk about treatments. You can also refer yourself directly to an NHS psychological therapies service (IAPT) without a referral from a GP. Find an NHS psychological therapies service (IAPT) Things you can try to overcome social anxietySelf-help can help reduce social anxiety and you might find it a useful first step before trying other treatments. The following tips may help:
Read more about anxiety, fear and panic and how to manage them. You may also find it useful to read an NHS self-help guide for social anxiety. Audio: Anxiety control trainingIn this audio guide, a doctor explains how you can take control of anxiety. Media last reviewed: 2 March 2021 Treatments for social anxietyA number of treatments are available for social anxiety. The main options are:
CBT is generally considered the best treatment, but other treatments may help if it does not work or you do not want to try it. Some people need to try a combination of treatments. Support groupsThere are several charities, support groups and online forums for people with social anxiety and other anxiety disorders, including:
Social anxiety in childrenSocial anxiety can also affect children. Signs of social anxiety in a child include:
Speak to a GP if you're worried about your child. They'll ask you about your child's behaviour and talk to them about how they feel. Treatments for social anxiety in children are similar to those for teenagers and adults, although medicines are not normally used. Therapy will be tailored to your child's age and will often involve help from you. You may be given training and self-help materials to use between sessions. It may also take place in a small group. Video: Psychological therapies for stress, anxiety and depressionAnimated video explaining self-referral to psychological therapies services for stress, anxiety or depression. Media last reviewed: 14 March 2022 What is a fear of embarrassment called?Most of us get over it fairly quickly. But some people have such a fear of embarrassment that it stops them in their tracks. It's called katagelophobia, and it's more common than you might think.
What is the fear of public humiliation called?Most people with social phobia have a strong fear of being humiliated or embarrassed in front of other people. People with social phobia feel as though everyone is watching them, until they blush, sweat or otherwise show their fear.
What disorder has been called the fear of fear?One specific phobia is the fear of fear itself — known as phobophobia. Having phobophobia can cause you to experience some of the same symptoms that other phobias trigger.
What disorder is characterized by an intense fear of being embarrassed in a social situation?Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a persistent and intense fear of being embarrassed, humiliated, or negatively evaluated in social situations.
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