Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety disorder can manifest itself in several different ways. Generally the person will experience an elevated degree of anxiety anytime they are in the presence of others. The person affected will have an excessive fear of social settings.

These people are so afraid of making a mistake that they may avoid all social contact and assume a hermit-like existence rather than experience the humiliation, real or imagined, of being in a social situation. This type of anxiety can escalate into a full blown panic attack if not controlled. The fear of the situation begins long before the event takes place. It is possible to have it occur weeks before the event. Although the person knows there is little need for the fear and in fact that it is an unreasonable fear, they are not able to overcome it.

Social anxiety disorder can make something as simple as eating or drinking in front of others a effort. They do not want to be the center of attention or date or party with others. Often they will not ask questions in the classroom or use public toilets. The fear may be so great that they are unable to continue working with others and may possibly be afraid of talking on the telephone.

There are times when social anxiety disorder is related to other mental illnesses. Panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder or depression can be a link. Usually people with this disorder will consult with a mental health professional or medical doctor with complaints that are closely related to those disorders rather than social anxiety symptoms.

Symptoms can include the total avoidance of social situations. Physical symptoms such as sweating, shaking, muscle tension, heart pounding or upset stomach. Children with the disorder will cry, cling to a parent or throw a tantrum.

This is the most common of all anxiety disorders. It is in fact, the third most diagnosed mental disorder in the United States. It is preceded only by depression or alcoholism. It is believed that over nineteen million people have this disorder in the United States alone. Women are more likely to suffer from this disorder than men.

It is not easy for anyone to deal with the consequences of social anxiety disorders. The person is often seen as being anti-social or unsociable. While appearances may point to this, it is far from true. They would probably love to attend parties, religious services or go out on a date if they didn't have the unrealistic fear of making a mistake or not meeting the real or imaginary standards of the people they will be with. It can cost someone their job if not taken under control. Having a fear of social situations can and often does, include working in an office or other workplace.

All of these symptoms lead the person to a very lonely life. There are no physical tests to diagnose social anxiety disorder. Physicians may conduct diagnostic tests to rule out physical illness but ultimately the person will have to seek help from a mental health professional. The mental health professional will conduct special tests geared specifically to the disorder and can then begin proper treatment.