ADAVIC Information Sheets
Social Phobia
Social Phobia is an anxiety disorder where the sufferer fears being negatively judged or evaluated by others and therefore they are afraid of doing something to embarrass or humiliate themselves in public. Some common social phobias are:-
- Public speaking
- Performing on stage
- Dealing with authority figures
- Eating and drinking
- Writing
- Dating
- Using public toilets
- Sexual performance
- Taking an exam
- Social encounters in general
- Sweating
- Blushing
- Dizziness
- Heart palpitations
- Tense muscles
- Dry mouth
- Trembling nausea
* Shy/socially phobic people believe that other people expect them to behave perfectly and if they don't they will be seen by others as stupid and consequently be rejected.
* Shy people also look for negative reactions from other people which distracts them from focussing on the task at hand and seeing the positive feedback.
* Furthermore, Shy/social phobic people underestimate their social skills and abilities. They tend to think that they are e.g., boring person to talk to or looking nervous when giving a speech.
Given that social phobia sufferers experience marked mental and physical anxiety they tend to avoid the feared social situations and in severe cases may therefore be very socially isolated.
Why Do I Have Social Phobia?
Research suggests that people may inherit a predisposition to develop social phobia. However, environmental factors such as family patterns and specific negative experiences also influence the degree and form shyness/social phobia takes.
How Common Is Social Phobia?
Social phobia is the most common anxiety disorder and is thought to effect 1 in 10 people at some time in their lives. Approximately 3% of people are thought to have social phobia at any one time.
When Does It Start?
Social phobia tends to begin in childhood or adolescence. Approximately 40% of social phobias occur prior to the age of 10 and about 95% before the age of 20.
43% of children with social phobia have anxiety based school refusal. At least 30% of school refusers are thought to have social phobia.
What Effects Does Social Phobia Have On Sufferers Lives?
Social phobia sufferers are more likely than the general population to:-
- Be single
- Be less educated
- Be financially dependent
- Be financially less well off
- Have other psychiatric disorders
- Contemplate suicide
- Commit suicide
- Have an unstable employment history
- Be social isolated
- Abuse drugs and/or alcohol
Given that social phobia can have a very negative impact upon ones
life, it is important to seek treatment as early as possible.
Treatment Of Social Phobia
Social phobia is a treatable condition. We strongly urge sufferers
not to let your fear of embarrassment stop you from seeking assistance.
Doctors and therapists on our referral list will not think you are
crazy or strange. Social phobia sufferers have the choice of cognitive
behavioural psychological therapy and/or medication. If you have sought
treatment for your social phobia but are not satisfied with your progress
you are entitled to get a second opinion. The Anxiety Disorders Association
of Victoria can provide you with referrals to doctors and therapists
experienced in the treatment of this disorder. ADAVIC also conducts
an Adolescent Anxiety Support Program and runs weekly support groups
in the Eastern and Western regions.
Social Phobia Success Stories
Many people with social phobia have come forward in recent years to
reduce the stigma attached to anxiety disorders and to share their
stories of recovery. American entertainers such as Donny Osmond, Barbara
Streisand, Kim Basinger have all spoken to the media of their experience
of social phobia and eventual recovery. Furthermore, Australians such
as actors Garry McDonald, Rebecca Gibney and Simon Palomares and Commonwealth
Gold Medalist Susie O'Neil have all overcome their anxiety to lead
fulfilling lives. YOU CAN TOO.
This information was provided by Catherine Madigan, Clinical Psychologist who can be contacted on 9819-3671 or mobile 0419-104-28
