What Is Social Anxiety Disorder?

Have you ever been consumed with intense fear at the thought of meeting strangers, or do you constantly feel that people have negative opinions of you? If you need to speak publicly, do you tremble and become excessively nervous without knowing why? Sometimes, these experiences are chalked up to shyness, but they could indicate something more serious. What is social phobia? Social anxiety disorder is generally defined as a persistent fear of social situations where you are exposed to unfamiliar people or scrutiny and a fear of being humiliated or embarrassed. If you believe you may be living with social anxiety disorder, online therapy can be an excellent first step toward relief and improved mental health.

What causes social anxiety disorder?

Research indicates that social anxiety disorder may affect between five and 10% of people worldwide. It’s typically considered to be the most common anxiety disorder and the third most common mental health disorder. 

The causes of social anxiety are not entirely understood. Research indicates that social anxiety disorder usually involves multiple parts of the brain, and genetics often affects how those parts of the brain function.

Despite that, research also suggests that environmental factors may play a role as well. Overly controlling or intrusive parenting can affect temperament to the extent that a child may develop a social anxiety disorder. Stressful and adverse life events can also play a part in the development of social anxiety.

Types of social anxiety disorder

Specific social anxiety

Specific social anxiety may be when a person feels anxious or irrationally distressed in specific, consistent situations. For example, if a person feels severe social anxiety when answering questions in front of classmates at school, yet is perfectly comfortable meeting strangers at social gatherings, that individual is likely showing symptoms of specific social anxiety.

Generalized social anxiety

Generalized social anxiety may be when a person experiences symptoms in most, if not all, social environments. It can affect a person in almost any social situation.

Generalized social anxiety tends to be more severe, as it can affect someone in almost any situation involving social interaction with people other than their immediate family and friends. It tends to affect the way a person functions in their everyday life.

Symptoms of social anxiety disorder

Physical symptoms of social anxiety disorder

People with this condition may also experience physical symptoms when around groups of people, such as:

• Blushing
• Trembling
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Confusion
• Arrhythmia
• Muscle tension

These symptoms can negatively affect people in high-pressure moments or everyday social situations. Whether you're on a first date with someone you like or participating in your annual performance review at work, the fear response and symptoms of social anxiety disorder are often incredibly distracting and can drastically affect your social skills.

Mental health care for people with social anxiety disorder

If left untreated, social anxiety disorder can worsen and have debilitating effects. It may result in lower education, poor work performance, lower-quality relationships, and decreased quality of life. This condition is also frequently associated with low self-esteem, suicidal ideation*, financial issues, and lower socioeconomic status. 

Up to 90% of people with social anxiety disorder may have other mental health conditions as well, potentially including depression or substance use disorder. Social anxiety disorder is normally treatable, but many people experience symptoms for decades before they seek help.

*If you or a loved one are experiencing thoughts of suicide, please know that help is available. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline anytime, 24/7, at 988.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for social anxiety disorder

Cognitive behavioral therapy is generally based on the idea that our thoughts may lead to our feelings and behaviors, rather than external factors like people, situations, and events. By participating in CBT with a therapist specializing in social anxiety disorder, you can start to overcome your symptoms. 

It can be beneficial to talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing social anxiety disorder symptoms. Research indicates that CBT can effectively treat this condition.

Trials comparing treatment with only medication or only therapy show that medication may have faster results than CBT, but CBT’s effects tend to be longer-lasting. Never start or stop any medication unless under the guidance of a licensed medical professional.

Navigating stress and fear in social situations with therapy

Though the idea of social anxiety group therapy may sound intimidating to the person coping with social anxiety, this can also be a good way to face the fear in a safe and friendly environment.

Seeking professional help is usually the best way to begin overcoming social anxiety disorder. Talk to your doctor to come up with a treatment plan, and if you’re considering cognitive behavioral therapy, consider reaching out to a therapist through an online therapy platform.

The benefits of online therapy for people with social anxiety

Online therapy frequently has many benefits for people with social anxiety disorder. If you find it overwhelming to make multiple phone calls to find an open appointment slot, commute to a therapist’s office, and meet with someone to talk face-to-face, getting online treatment may be a good option for you. Getting online therapy from the comfort and safety of your home can lower the stress you may feel about starting treatment. 

The efficacy of online therapy for social phobia

Research indicates that online therapy can also be highly successful. One review found that CBT usually led to a 50% improvement in symptoms of multiple disorders, including social anxiety disorder. If you are experiencing symptoms of social anxiety disorder, online CBT may be an ideal way to seek treatment and work through your fears.