Social anxiety
Social Anxiety
Social anxiety (pronounced soh-shuhl ang-zahy-i-tee), also known as social phobia, is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by excessive fear, discomfort, and avoidance of social situations due to the fear of being watched or judged by others.
Etymology
The term "social anxiety" is derived from the Latin word "socius" meaning "companion" and the Greek word "άγχος" (ankhos) meaning "pressure, stress".
Definition
Social anxiety is defined as a chronic mental health condition in which social interactions cause irrational anxiety and fear. Individuals with social anxiety disorder fear that they will be humiliated, embarrassed, or judged by others. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy, self-consciousness, and depression.
Symptoms
Symptoms of social anxiety can vary in severity and may include physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms such as:
- Fear of situations in which you may be judged
- Worrying about embarrassing or humiliating yourself
- Intense fear of interacting or talking with strangers
- Fear that others will notice that you're nervous
- Avoidance of social situations to a degree that limits your activities or disrupts your life
Treatment
Treatment for social anxiety typically involves psychotherapy (such as cognitive behavioral therapy), medication, or both. Lifestyle modifications, such as reducing caffeine intake and practicing stress management techniques, can also be beneficial.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Social anxiety
- Wikipedia's article - Social anxiety
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