Social Phobia

Social phobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by intense distress in public situations. Individuals suffering from social phobia typically experience panic-like symptoms during social interactions. These situations could include speaking in public, using public restrooms, eating with others, or engaging in general social contact.

Individuals with this disorder are afraid of being humiliated or embarrassed by their actions in social and/or performance situations, and they may become extremely anxious, with an increased heart rate, diaphoresis, and other signs of autonomic arousal. These physical symptoms can exacerbate anxiety, leading to a conditioned fear response that reinforces their anxiety in public.