social phobia

phobia /pho·bia/ (fo´be-ah) a persistent, irrational, intense fear of a specific object, activity, or situation (the phobic stimulus), fear that is recognized as being excessive or unreasonable by the individual himself. When a phobia is a significant source of distress or interferes with social functioning, it is considered a mental disorder (sometimes called a phobic disorder ); in DSM-IV phobias are classified with the anxiety disorders and are subclassified as agoraphobia, specific phobias, and social phobias.pho´bic

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simple phobia  specific p.

social phobia  an anxiety disorder characterized by fear and avoidance of social or performance situations in which the individual fears possible embarrassment and humiliation.

specific phobia  persistent and excessive or unreasonable fear of a circumscribed, well-defined object or situation.

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social phobia

n.

A psychiatric disorder characterized by anxiety about being in public or social gatherings. Also called social anxiety disorder.

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Social phobia

Fear of being judged or ridiculed by others; fear of being embarrassed in public.

Mentioned in: Phobias

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social phobia,

an anxiety disorder characterized by a compelling desire for the avoidance of and a persistent, irrational fear of situations in which the individual may be exposed to scrutiny by others. Examples of such situations are speaking, eating, or performing in public, or using public lavatories or transportation. Compare simple phobia. See also phobia.

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phobia (fō´bē),

n a specific hysterical fear.

phobia, social,

n an anxiety disorder in which a person is afraid of social situations for fear of being judged unworthy by others.

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social phobia

Social anxiety disorder Psychiatry 'A marked & persistent fear of social and performance situations in which embarassment may occur.(and).take the form of a situationally bound or. predisposed panic attack, while social anxiety is normal in children, in adults this fear is excessive or unreasonable; social or performance situations are avoided, or endured with dread; SP may begin in adolescence and be due to parental overprotectiveness or limited social opportunity Management Psychoanalysis, cognitive behavioral therapy, group therapy, support group; some respond to pharmacology–eg, paroxetine. See Panic attack, Phobia.

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Patient discussion about social phobia.

Q. Was this true Asperger's syndrome, or a social anxiety disorder? I've been told multiple times by multiple people (though none of them doctors) that I probably have Ausperger's syndrome, or at least suffered from it through most of my childhood. I have struggled socially a GREAT deal, and have overcome many things, though I still am socially awkward and easily confused in social situations. Conversely, I am a secretary and receptionist by trade, and seem to have most people 'fooled' when I have medication for my diagnosed medical condition. Was this true Asperger's syndrome, or a social anxiety disorder?

A. Well, I like to share my experience from which you find an answer. My 19 year old brother has AS, and I would not say he is at all retarded, although once people get to know him they assume that he is. His intellectual/IQ level isn't any lower than the "normal", but he definitely struggles socially, always has, always will. Hell, so do I... and I wouldn't be surprised if I have a touch of AS myself. Anyhow he is able to work, pay bills, follow commitments through, etc., He's actually very responsible…can't say that for many "normal" folk. His main quirk is that he really fixates on things...for example if his favorite TV show is "Lost", he'll talk about it and run it into the ground until he makes you absolutely hate it from overkill. Other than that he's not much different from the rest of us.

Q. how to treat my social phobia?

A. there is a protocol for treating any kinds of phobias. it requires time and a psychologist. it's consisted of learning relaxation methods and doing everything in small steps until you can handle your phobia.