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Social phobia?

DefinitionSocial phobia is a persistent and irrational fear of situations that may involve scrutiny or judgment by others, such as parties and other social events.Alternative NamesPhobia - social; Social anxiety disorderCauses, incidence, and risk factorsPeople with social phobias fear and avoid situations in which they may be subject to the scrutiny of others. It may begin in adolescence and may be associated with overprotective parents or limited social opportunities. Males and females are affected equally with this disorder.People with social phobia are at high risk for alcohol or other drug dependence, because they may come to rely on drinks or drugs to relax in social situations.SymptomsPeople with social phobia become overwhelmingly anxious and self-conscious in everyday social situations. They have an intense, persistent, and chronic fear of being watched and judged by others, and of doing things that will embarrass them. They can worry for days or weeks before a dreaded situation. This fear may become so severe that it interferes with work, school, and other ordinary activities, and can make it hard to make and keep friends.Although many people with social phobia realize that their fears about being with people are excessive or unreasonable, they are unable to overcome them on their own.Social phobia can be limited to one situation (such as talking to people, eating or drinking, or writing on a blackboard in front of others). Or, it may be so broad (such as in generalized social phobia) that the person experiences anxiety around almost everyone other than family members.Physical symptoms that often occur with social phobia include:BlushingDifficulty talkingNauseaProfuse sweatingTremblingSocial phobia is different from shyness. Shy people are able to participate in social functions. People with social phobia are constrained by their condition to the point that it affects their ability to function in work and relationships.Some of the most common fears of people with social phobia include:Attending parties and other social occasionsEating, drinking, and writing in publicMeeting new peopleSpeaking in publicUsing public restroomsSigns and testsThe health care provider will look at your history of phobia, and will get a description of the behavior from you, your family, and friends.Signs include:Elevated blood pressureRapid heart rateTreatmentThe goal of treatment is to help you function effectively. The success of the treatment usually depends on the severity of the phobia.Anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications are sometimes used to help relieve the symptoms associated with phobias. See: Panic disorder for more information about medications.Behavioral treatment appears to have long-lasting benefits.Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you understand and change the thoughts that are causing your condition, as well as learn to recognize and replace panic-causing thoughts.Systematic desensitization or exposure therapy may be used to treat phobias. You are asked to relax, then imagine the things that cause the anxiety, working from the least fearful to the most fearful. Gradual exposure to the real-life situation has also been used with success to help people overcome their fears.Social skills training may involve social contact in a group therapy situation to practice social skills. Role playing and modeling are techniques used to help you become more comfortable relating to others in a social situation.Lifestyle changes may help reduce how often the attacks occur.Get regular exercise, adequate sleep, and regularly scheduled meals.Reduce or avoid the use of caffeine, some over-the-counter cold medicines, and other stimulants.Expectations (prognosis)The outcome is generally good with treatment, and antidepressant medications have been shown to be very effective.ComplicationsAlcohol use to combat anxietyAlcohol or other drug dependenceLoneliness and social isolationCalling your health care providerCall your health care provider or mental health professional if fear is affecting your work and relationships with others.PreventionTaking measures to improve your self-esteem and getting training in social skills may be helpful.ReferencesStein MB, Stein DJ. Social anxiety disorder. Lancet. 2008;371:1115-1125.Taylor CT, Pollack MH, LeBeau RT, Simon NM. Anxiety disorders: Panic, social anxiety, and generalized anxiety. In: Stern TA, Rosenbaum JF, Fava M, Biederman J, Rauch SL, eds. Massachusetts General Hospital Comprehensive Clinical Psychiatry. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier;2008:chap 32.


Is there a phobia name for the fear of Garden Gnomes?

Actually, there is a name for the fear of gnomes. It is gnomophobia. Though it is not as yet a recognized condition by organizations such as the APA, it does exist and has a name. It is actually not an uncommon phobia with sufferers reporting night terrors and other such problems regarding their fears. Many people suffer this phobia such as Shane (snakeskin) Robertson. He has a rash fear of garden knomes and reacts such as running in the night, sleepless night, and urinating in his pants.


What are negative effects of social exclusion?

Social exclusion can lead to feelings of loneliness, low self-esteem, and depression. It can also contribute to physical health problems and hinder academic and professional success. Additionally, social exclusion can perpetuate cycles of poverty and inequality.


Do people in the same social and economic class tend to have similar attitudes?

Individuals in the same social and economic class may share certain attitudes due to shared experiences, values, and perspectives. However, there can still be significant diversity within a social and economic class, as individual attitudes are also shaped by personal beliefs, upbringing, and education. It is important to consider the complexities and variations within any social group.


How many people will ask about your facebook relationship status if you just mysteriously change it to in a relationship?

It depends on your social circle and how closely people follow your Facebook activity. Typically, close friends, family members, and curious acquaintances may reach out to inquire about the change in your relationship status.

Related Questions

What phobia is the fear of naked skin?

It could be Anthropophobia (fear of people or being in company of people), Sociophobia (fear of people or social situations) or a social phobia, many of which include the fear of being in an embarrassing/awkward situation and not being able to escape.


Which organizations offer support for people with social anxiety?

Some of the organizations that offer support for people with social anxiety include Social Anxiety Support, Social Phobia, Anxiety and Depression Association of America and many more. These organizations offer help to people with social anxiety.


How can you find out if you have social phobia?

See a psychologist. You don't want to misdiagnose yourself. Also, if you really think you have social phobia, it could be treatable with psychotherapy, as many phobias are.


What phobia is the fear of studying?

There does not appear to be a specific term for the fear of studying. However, there are many forms of Social phobia and ways to overcome it. Please see the Related Question below for more information.


What is the Phobia of murder called?

Many people have the fear of being murdered its a natural feeling most of the time. If you feel you are going to be murdered, put yourself in a sercure area and calm down and contact someone that will help you feel better/safe. But i don't realy know what the fear is called


How many people in the world have a phobia?

7


What phobia is the fear of many things?

Polyphobia is the name of the phobia related to the fear of many things


How many people never fly?

It is estimated that about 25 percent of people suffer from some level of flight phobia. Many of these people fly, nonetheless, but about 10 percent of them never do.


What is the phobia of getting anxious when surrounded by to many people?

Claustrophobia refers to the fear of being enclosed in any way, by people, substance, or environment.


How many people suffer from omphalophobia?

It is a rare phobia and few people suffer from it. I myself have omphalophobia and I personally don't know anyone else who has it.


What is the Phobia of Large Halls or Arena's called?

aguraphobia. When you are afraid of having a panic attack somewhere in which there aren't many means of escape. People with this phobia will sometimes lock theirselves at home to ensure they are "safe"


What are health and social care values?

There are a great many health and social care values in the world. Such values include being kind and patient with other people.