Social Phobia, also called Social Anxiety Disorder affects about 5.3 million adult Americans.  The disorder typically begins in childhood or adolescence with most people developing the disorder between 11-19 years of age.  The chances of developing Social Phobia are increased if a first degree relative has the disorder. This may be due to observational conditioning.   Other theorists suggest that Social Phobia has to do an imbalance of the brain chemical serotonin, which links Social Phobia to depression. 

 Social Phobia can range from a Phobia in one type of situation (like a fear of speaking or eating/drinking in front of others) to being present in nearly all social situations.

Symptoms of Social Phobia include:

• A persistent, intense and chronic fear of being watched or judged by others.
• A similar fear of being embarrassed or humiliated by their own actions.
• Worrying for days and weeks in advance before a dreaded social situation.
• Lingering feelings that one was judged or watched by others in previous social situations.
• Physical symptoms including: blushing, trembling, nausea, profuse sweating or difficulty talking.

Social Phobia is treated in several ways.   The first is the possibility of an anti-anxiety medication or an antidepressant.  The second is therapy.  Cognitive therapy has proven quite effective in the treatment of Social Phobia, as it deals with changing thinking patterns to overcome fears. 

People who suffer from Social Phobia know that what they are feeling is irrational; nevertheless the symptoms seem to come up again and again without proper treatment. 

Many people with Social Phobia report self medicating with drugs and alcohol.  This must be addressed in the healing process as well.