Social anxiety disorder or SAD - also referred to as "social phobia" - is a mental health condition in which the sufferer faces extreme and unwarranted fear in social situations.

Individuals with SAD have an unreasonable fear of making a mistake or being embarrassed and humiliated in social situations.

Their feelings of extreme self- consciousness cause them to be excessively fearful of being watched closely, harshly judged, and criticized by others.

Some individuals with SAD have a specific phobia of certain situations such as public speaking; however, the majority of individuals who suffer from SAD fear most all types of social situations.

Social Anxiety Disorder and Panic Attacks

Many individuals with SAD also suffer from panic attacks that are sometimes brought on by the build up of anxiety they feel during social situations.

This build up of anxiety also often occurs well before an event in scheduled to take place.

This build up of anxiety is often referred to as "anticipatory" anxiety and even thought the individual is aware that the fear and worry is unreasonable, they are unable to stop it.

This anxiety causes many sufferers of SAD to avoid social situations altogether which can greatly diminish their quality of life.

When a Social Anxiety Disorder Requires Medical Attention

Individuals who suffer from a severe or chronic case of social anxiety disorder find it extremely difficult to manage their fear and anxiety in many normal everyday situations which include having a telephone conversation, drinking or eating in front of others, using a public restroom, socially interacting or working with others.

When this anxiety interferes with everyday activities and becomes disruptive to life, medical treatment is required as this anxiety can worsen over time and cause other mental health or anxiety disorders such as depression or agoraphobia.

The symptoms in the majority of individuals who have SAD can be effectively treated with psychotherapy and medication.

Stop Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Fear, & Phobias. Fast & Easy! No Drugs! Please Visit: http://www.AnxietyAttacksPanicAttacks.org

Article Source: Social Anxiety Disorder - The Most Common Form of Anxiety Disorder.

~~~~~~~~~

Additional resources:

Undo Public Speaking Fear – The Lefkoe Method

Do You Want To Overcome Your Social Phobia?

social phobia, anxiety relief products, social anxiety, anxiety and high sensitivity, programs for anxiety relief