Hero image

About Social Anxiety

Hero image

About Social Anxiety

What is Social Anxiety Disorder?

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), sometimes called social phobia, is one of the most common anxiety disorders. It goes beyond occasional shyness or nervousness.

People with social anxiety disorder experience intense fear or anxiety in social situations where they feel they may be judged, embarrassed, or rejected.

This fear can be so overwhelming that it interferes with daily life, including work, school, relationships, and everyday tasks like making a phone call or ordering food in public.

What Does Social Anxiety Look Like?


Social Anxiety Disorder can present in many ways.

Common symptoms may include:

  • Avoiding eye contact or speaking up in groups
  • Worrying for days or weeks before a social event
  • Fear of being thought of as awkward, boring, or stupid
  • Physical symptoms like blushing, trembling, sweating, or nausea during interactions
  • Difficulty eating, writing, or using the bathroom in public
  • Replaying conversations or interactions over and over afterward

For some, these symptoms are limited to a few specific scenarios, like being the center of attention. For others, it affects nearly every social interaction.

Study 1

It’s More Than Just Being Shy

Unlike general shyness, Social Anxiety Disorder can cause significant distress and make it difficult to participate in everyday life. Many people with SAD know their fears are excessive but still feel powerless to stop them.

The Impact on Daily Life


Social anxiety can affect:
  • Work or school performance (e.g., fear of speaking up in meetings or classes)
  • Relationships (e.g., avoiding dating, gatherings, or even casual conversations)
  • Health (e.g., avoiding doctor appointments or mental health support due to fear of interaction)

Left untreated, Social Anxiety Disorder can lead to the worsening of symptoms and other mental health struggles.

Current treatments for Social Anxiety Disorder include psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. While these treatments can be effective for many, they don’t work for everyone.

That’s why researchers are continuing to explore new and more personalized approaches to managing and potentially preventing Social Anxiety Disorder.

Study 1

To move this research forward, scientists rely on volunteers with SAD to participate in clinical studies to help uncover better treatment options.




Privacy and Confidentiality Policy

A copy of the Data Protection and Privacy Policy for this website is available at this location:
Data Protection and Privacy Policy https://tprausa.com/privacy/

Powered by The Patient Recruiting Agency ™ © TPRA, 2025