
Treatment Room – Symptoms of Anxiety

Treatment Room – Phobias: Understanding, Causes, and Treatment
What is Social Phobia?
Social phobia, or social anxiety disorder, is characterized by an intense fear of social situations where a person may feel judged, embarrassed, or scrutinized. Symptoms can be categorized into physical, emotional, and behavioral aspects.
1. Physical Symptoms:
- Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
- Sweating, trembling, or shaking
- Shortness of breath or dizziness
- Nausea or stomach discomfort
- Blushing or feeling excessively hot
- Dry mouth or difficulty speaking
- Muscle tension or headaches
2. Emotional Symptoms:
- Intense fear of being judged or humiliated
- Excessive self-consciousness in social settings
- Overanalyzing past social interactions and fearing negative evaluation
- Extreme worry about upcoming social events
- Feeling inferior or inadequate compared to others
3. Behavioral Symptoms:
- Avoidance of social gatherings, public speaking, or meeting new people
- Difficulty making eye contact or engaging in conversation
- Avoiding situations where attention is focused on them
- Using safety behaviors (e.g., looking at a phone, avoiding talking) to minimize discomfort
- Relying on alcohol or substances to ease social anxiety
If left untreated, social phobia can interfere with personal relationships, career growth, and overall well-being. However, treatment options such as therapy, mindfulness techniques, and gradual exposure can help individuals manage and overcome their fears.