Social Anxiety

One of the most common behavioral health disorders is social anxiety, which has a lifetime prevalence of 13%.  It may be chronic and is often associated with other anxieties, depression, or substance use.   Social anxiety can affect work performance and impair potential social and romantic relationships.  Sometimes mistaken as shyness, people with social anxiety usually want to connect well with others, but find their discomfort prevents them from doing so.

Symptoms of social anxiety may include:

• Fear or anxiety related to social or work situations where observation by others is anticipated
• Fear of being humiliated, embarrassed or rejected by others
• Avoidance of social opportunities
• Fear or anxiety about speaking or performing

Social anxiety disorder can be successfully treated with psychotherapy and/or pharmacotherapy, depending on preference, judgment and availability.  Cognitive behavioral therapy, which involves changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, can also be effective.