Social phobia is also known as social anxiety disorder. It is a psychological condition, in which the patient exhibits extreme emotional distress, dread, reluctance and endless worry regarding social and performing situations and being judged by others. This disorder develops in early childhood and individuals affected by it lack self confidence and the ability to face a crowd. Extreme social anxiety accompanied by the phobia can be crippling to the extent of interrupting one’s normal daily functioning.

It is estimated that approximately 13.3 per cent of the general population may meet the criteria for this disorder at some point of time and it tends to affect more females than males.

Types of Social Phobia:

Social Phobia was identified as a distinct phobia in the late 1960s. The chief characteristic feature of this phobia is the fear of criticism by others. There are two subtypes of social phobia — specific and generalized.

Specific social phobia: This involves discreet and distressing fear of one or more social situation where the individual fears he/she might be subject to criticism of others or may end up behaving in an embarrassing manner. Individuals with this phobia are reluctant to participate in public speaking events, hesitate urinating in public bathrooms and may even show reluctance to eating or writing in public. They either avoid these situations or endure them with great distress.

Generalized social phobia: Individuals with this disorder have significant fears of most social situations including both public performance situations and situations requiring social interactions. They often share a diagnosis of avoidant personality disorder.

Characteristics of Social phobia:

An individual with this disorder does not necessarily avoid social situations and interactions but participates in them with a great deal of distress.

Most social phobias develop in early childhood or adolescence.

More than half of the individuals suffering from social phobia are also diagnosed with other anxiety disorders such as panic disorder, depression, alcohol abuse, generalized anxiety disorder, specific phobias or post traumatic stress disorder.

These individuals come across as shy, dejected, timid, distressed and highly temperamental.

Causes of Social Phobia:

Family Factors:

It may develop in children who have parents with an anxiety disorder or who keep criticizing them all the time. It may also develop in children with socially isolated parents who degrade social interactions.

Social Phobia as learned behavior:

The disorder may develop as a consequence of direct classical conditioning wherein the individual has experienced or witnessed a defeat. It may also develop in individuals who have been targets of rage, exploitation, criticism and humiliation.