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Social Phobia Directory
Social phobia is a type of anxiety disorder that makes a person feel self-conscious and anxious when in certain social situations. A person with social phobia may have difficulty speaking or eating in front of others because of fears of being judged, embarrassed, or watched too closely. Severe social phobias may cause a person to avoid others entirely, which can interfere with work and family. Social phobia, also called social anxiety disorder, affects about 15 million American adults. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about social phobia, what the symptoms are, how to treat it, and much more.
Medical Reference
The Link Between Depression and Other Mental Illnesses
WebMD explains depression's link to anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse, and other mental illnesses.
Symptoms of Phobias
Is it normal fear or a phobia? Learn about the symptoms of phobias.
Depression Glossary
A glossary of terms about depression and other disorders.
All About Anxiety Disorders: From Causes to Treatment and Prevention
Learn more about anxiety disorders, including types, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Features
Social Phobia
This disorder is defined as the intense and persistent fear of being scrutinized, judged adversely or humiliated in social situations. There is help.
The Secret Social Phobia
It's one of the most common anxiety disorders in the country, yet the least talked about. Shy bladder syndrome -- the inability to urinate when others are around -- is debilitating, demoralizing -- and very treatable.
Is Shyness a Mental Disorder?
For a surprising number of people, social awkwardness is more than an uncomfortable anxiety. It is a mental disorder that needs to be treated.
Is social anxiety disorder (SAD) -- also called social phobia -- just another name for being really shy?
People with social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, tend to be sensitive to criticism and rejection, have difficulty asserting themselves, and suffer from low self-esteem.