Home Social Anxiety Disorder

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is a marked and persistent fear of social or performance (e.g., public speaking) situations in which the person is exposed to unfamiliar people or possible scrutiny by others. The individual fears that he or she will act in a way that will be humiliating or embarrassing. The person recognizes that the fear is excessive or unreasonable. The feared social or performance situations are avoided or else endured with intense anxiety or distress.

SAD is one of the most common psychiatric disorders in the United States. This disorder most often surfaces in adolescence or early adulthood, but can occur at any time, including early childhood. It is more common in women than in men. Without treatment, social anxiety disorder can negatively interfere with school, work, family, and social activities.

People with social anxiety disorder may be afraid of:

• Eating or drinking in front of others
• Working in front of others
• Being the center of attention
• Dating or going to parties.
• Asking questions or presenting to groups
• Talking on the telephone

Many people with social anxiety disorder feel "something’s wrong," but don't recognize the feeling as a sign of illness. Physical symptoms may include pounding heart, sweating, shaking, blushing, muscle tension, upset stomach, and diarrhea.

Children may display social anxiety disorder by excessive crying, clinging to a parent, and throwing tantrums.

If you or a family member has these symptoms and daily life is being compromised as a result, you may wish to contact your family doctor’s office or Dr. Westerback’s psychiatric office by calling (805) 497-1618 for a consultation.