Social Anxiety

Social anxiety disorder involves intense fear of social situations where one might be judged, embarrassed, or humiliated. It is far more than shyness — it significantly impacts relationships, careers, and quality of life.

Prevalence

Social anxiety disorder affects approximately 15 million American adults. It is the second most commonly diagnosed anxiety disorder.

Symptoms of Social Anxiety

• Intense fear of social situations
• Fear of being judged or humiliated
• Physical symptoms (blushing, sweating, trembling)
• Avoidance of social situations
• Negative self-evaluations after interactions

Types of Social Anxiety

• Performance anxiety
• Fear of public speaking
• Generalised social anxiety
• Fear of eating/drinking in public

Evidence-Based Treatment Options

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Exposure therapy
• Social skills training
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• SSRI medications

When to Seek Help

If social anxiety is limiting your career, relationships, or ability to enjoy social activities, therapy can dramatically improve your quality of life.

Recovery Outlook

CBT for social anxiety is highly effective, with most people seeing significant improvement within 12–16 sessions.