Not just avoiding crowds: who is a social phobic really?

Everyone experiences a certain level of social anxiety. However, social phobia is more than just typical nerves before a date or public speaking. It manifests in ways that cannot be overlooked.

Who are social phobics? In an exclusive comment to NUR.KZ, licensed clinical social worker and clinical director at Brooks Healing Center, Lisa Anderson, explains:

A social phobic experiences intense anxiety, fearing that they will be embarrassed or humiliated in public, even when nothing of the sort is happening. This goes beyond typical shyness, leading to significant anxiety and avoidance of social interactions, emphasizes Charlotte Bareiss, a certified social worker and chief clinical specialist at Ascendant NY.

What is social phobia? Social phobia is an anxiety disorder where an individual experiences considerable fear, stress, or anxiety in various social situations, explains Shenella Karunaratne, a licensed counselor for the online MFT program and a master's degree holder in clinical counseling psychology, to NUR.KZ readers:

Those who have this type of anxiety may feel fear even before engaging with others. They suffer from a constant fear of public attention, which leads them to cancel plans and stay at home, notes Charlotte Bareiss.

Social phobia has various manifestations — from fear of public speaking or meeting new people to complete avoidance of group conversations and isolation from social events, describes social worker Lisa Anderson:

Intense fear and uncertainty can affect everyday actions, such as making small talk, eating in the presence of others, or answering phone calls. Anticipating a public event can lead to racing thoughts, sleepless nights, and even physical symptoms like headaches or stomach issues, reflecting the profound impact of this phobia on a person's life.

It may seem that introversion and social anxiety are identical concepts. In reality, they are quite different. Both introverts and those with social anxiety may actively avoid social situations. However, the reasons for this avoidance differ, writes licensed social worker with clinical mental health experience, Hannah Owens.

An introvert may need to recharge their social battery alone and may have less energy to expend on social activities compared to extroverts. People with social anxiety disorder are driven by a deep fear of humiliation and judgment if they find themselves in certain social situations.

Furthermore, introversion is a personality trait, while social phobia is a diagnosable condition. Introversion does not interfere with daily activities and does not cause significant stress, whereas social anxiety does. Both introverts and extroverts can suffer from social phobia. This is particularly problematic for extroverts, who, on one hand, need social situations, but on the other, fear them.

The prevalence of social phobia worldwide ranges from 5% to 10%. It is the third most common mental disorder after substance use disorders and depression, and the most common anxiety disorder, according to the authors of the article "Social Anxiety Disorder," Gregory M. Rose and Prasanna Tadi. Women are more susceptible to social phobia.

How does social phobia develop? There is no single cause for the onset of social phobia, state the authors of the health resource WebMD. Genetics plays a role: if a parent has social phobia, it may also develop in their children. It can also be associated with increased amygdala activity (a part of the brain that controls the fear response), violence, bullying, or ridicule. If an individual has a health condition that attracts public attention, this can also trigger social phobia.

The risk of developing social anxiety disorder increases with overly controlling or intrusive parenting, which can lead to a suppressed temperament, note Gregory M. Rose and Prasanna Tadi.

If an overwhelming fear of judgment persists for 6 months or longer, interferes with daily life and completing specific tasks, disrupts communication with others, and leads to isolation, it indicates that the individual may have social phobia and needs professional help.

Many patients may not seek treatment, believing that social anxiety is part of their personality structure and therefore does not require treatment, warn Gregory M. Rose and Prasanna Tadi. They are more likely to visit doctors for other disorders, including depression.

How can one overcome social phobia? Expert Lisa Anderson discusses the following treatment options:

A psychotherapist can offer a tailored strategy to overcome social phobia. Small, manageable steps can help confront social fears.

Social phobia significantly reduces the quality of life and can lead to complete isolation. It is crucial to diagnose the disorder promptly and seek help from a specialist.