What is Social Anxiety Disorder?
Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is an overwhelming and debilitating fear of social situations. It is characterized by intense anxiety in the presence of other people. In particular, it has been observed that patients with social anxiety disorderexperience higher levels of physiological arousal in anticipation of community gatherings. Some of these patients even develop physical symptoms such as redness or sweating when they are around others. They also tend to avoid those they perceive as potential threats and end up losing control of themselves during such social encounters.
People with Social Anxiety Disorder Lead a Solitary Life
People with social anxiety disorders are not very comfortable with other people, so they tend to lead a lonely lifestyle. They don't feel safe and always feel that something is wrong. They also usually try to stay away from crowds and public places for as long as possible. People with social anxiety disorder can be extremely withdrawn or extremely outgoing, depending on the nature of their anxiety and their individual personality. But whatever their style, it is clear that everyone leads a very lonely lifestyle and cannot function normally in a group situation.
Some psychiatrists say that most people with social anxiety disorder also experience symptoms such as muscle tension, insomnia, anxiety, and sudden loss of muscle tone. The degree to which these patients experience anxiety depends on the type of social situations in which they find themselves and how they interpret these events. Those who do not have problems with large groups of people but find the idea of talking to people of the opposite sex a little intimidating may develop anxiety instead.
People with Social Anxiety Disorder Have Fear of Being Judged
People with social anxiety disorder (SAD) often have an excessive and exaggerated fear of being judged for their appearance and abilities, embarrassing themselves in front of others, having negative reactions in social situations, or even having physical symptoms such as flushing, tremors, sweating, dizziness, or shortness of breath in social situations. They may also feel tension and anxiety for no apparent reason and feel the need to run away.
Final Words:
The extent to which these people experience different symptoms also depends on the circumstances and events to which they are exposed. For example, those who avoid large groups of colleagues find that their anxiety increases when they have to speak in public or when they are asked a question they know the answer to.