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Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety disorder, otherwise known as Social Phobia, is characterized by a fear of being negatively evaluated by others. This is not shyness, a normally occurring personality trait or style. Rather, social phobia is excessive, unwanted and debilitating fear and anxiety when one is the focus of attention, evaluation, or other types of social interaction.

Intense anxiety may be experienced or anticipated across a variety of social situations, leading to avoidance of these and similar situations, disruption in one’s routine and ability to function, and missed opportunities for advancing in or enjoying one’s life. Situations that are often feared and avoided may include:

  • Initiating or maintaining conversations
  • Interacting in groups such as at parties or other social gatherings
  • Dating or talking to romantic interests
  • Participating or presenting in meetings or classes
  • Talking to persons in authority
  • Writing or eating in front of others
  • Public speaking

Everyone feels slightly socially anxious from time to time, and social fears are relatively common in the general population. However, these experiences become problematic when:

  • Satisfying personal relationships feel difficult or impossible to achieve
  • Social anxiety and avoidance leaves one unable to fulfill basic responsibilities at work, putting promotions or even the job itself in jeopardy
  • When in the presence of others, one cannot stop thinking about themselves in highly negative, critical ways, or assumes that others are thinking extremely negative things about them.
  • Avoidance of and making excuses for not attending functions becomes a habit
  • The person relies on strategies like drinking alcohol or using other drugs to get through even mildly difficult social situations.

Social anxiety disorder is the third most common mental disorders. As such, social anxiety disorder is relatively common in the general population, with roughly 5-12% of the general population afflicted at some point in their lives. The majority of social anxiety disorders cases onset in adolescence, but cases can onset later in life as well. Regrettably, only 10-20% of afflicted individuals seek treatment in a given year—and among those who do seek treatment, the typical delay in initiating treatment after initial onset of disorder is 16 years.

If these symptoms seem relevant to you, we can help. Feel free to contact us by calling our main desk at (212) 246-5740.

The Columbia University Clinic for Anxiety and Related Disorders (CUCARD) provides evidence-based treatments for all of the anxiety disorders, including: