Social Phobia

Social Phobia, or Social Anxiety Disorder, is an anxiety disorder characterized by overwhelming anxiety and excessive self-consciousness in everyday social situations.
Social phobia can be specific to one situation, such as public speaking or eating in front of others, or it can be severe enough to limit any interaction with others altogether. It is frequently accompanied by physical symptoms such as blushing, sweating, or nausea in social situations. People with social phobia have a persistent, intense, and chronic fear of being watched and judged by others and being embarrassed or humiliated by their own actions.

Treatment for social phobia involves several approaches: management of anxiety through relaxation training and other coping skills; behavioral rehearsal of interpersonal situations that provoke anxiety; and behavioral work focused on developing positive self-image through imagery, behavioral exercises, and videotape feedback. At least ten hours of systematic desensitization to feared situations is provided for every client. Additionally, many people with social fears require training in skills that their anxiety has prevented them from learning. Thus, the program also includes social skills training, including assertiveness training, with practice both in the office and through homework in actual situations. Treatment usually is conducted in a group format, but individual therapy also is available.