Two people talking freely and one person who looks anxious

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)

If you're coping with social anxiety disorder, you aren't alone. These resources will help you manage your anxiety in social situations and relationships.
Talking badly to yourself can worsen test anxiety.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Social Anxiety Disorder
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Woman looking away, unhappy
The Best Treatments for Social Anxiety Disorder
By Arlin Cuncic
Coping with social anxiety disorder
Coping With Social Anxiety: The Best Self-Help Strategies
By Arlin Cuncic
Sad teen sitting on bed
Social Anxiety Disorder in Children
By Arlin Cuncic
Panic attacks may come on suddenly
How to Manage Your Body During a Panic Attack
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
stressed young man
Overgeneralization and Social Anxiety
Reviewed by David Susman, PhD
Different cultures have different reflections of social anxiety.
Cultural Differences in Social Anxiety Disorder
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Stop smoking to reduce anxiety in the long run.
5 Bad Health Habits That May Increase Social Anxiety
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Couple holding hands
8 Things People With Social Anxiety Crave
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
girl standing behind curtain
Differences Between Shyness and Social Anxiety Disorder
Reviewed by Amy Morin, LCSW
The history of SAD spans many decades.
A Brief History of Social Anxiety Disorder
Reviewed by David Susman, PhD
women talking
Passive Communication and Social Anxiety
Reviewed by David Susman, PhD
Upset woman sitting on couch alone at home
Maladaptive Behaviors and Social Anxiety Disorder
Reviewed by Amy Morin, LCSW
Sad woman sitting outside
5 Persistent Myths About Social Anxiety Disorder
By Arlin Cuncic
Unhappy woman standing outside
Negative Automatic Thoughts and Social Anxiety
Reviewed by David Susman, PhD
shy toddler boy holding into dad's legs
Link Between Behavioral Inhibition and Social Anxiety
By Arlin Cuncic
Socially anxious people tend to date less.
Rational Responses and Social Anxiety
By Arlin Cuncic
Exuberant male marathon runner crossing finish line with arms raised
Mental Health Awareness Charity Runs or Walks
By Arlin Cuncic
A girl standing separate from a group with her arms folded.
Social Anxiety Disorder - Diagnosis and Self Help
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Avoidant personality disorder can lead to isolation.
Avoidant Personality Disorder: Definition, Symptoms, Traits, Causes, Treatment
Medically reviewed by Akeem Marsh, MD
Self-esteem can be built through experiences.
How Self-Esteem Affects Social Anxiety Disorder
Reviewed by Amy Morin, LCSW
Paruresis is the fear of using public toilets.
Paruresis is the Fear of Using Public Toilets
By Arlin Cuncic
women having argument in office
How to Avoid Aggressive Communication If You Have SAD
Reviewed by Amy Morin, LCSW
Panic attacks may come on suddenly.
The Cycle of Panic in Social Anxiety Disorder
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Impostor syndrome can be related to perfectionism.
Imposter Syndrome: Definition, Symptoms, Traits, Causes, Treatment
Reviewed by Amy Morin, LCSW
The spotlight effect is experienced as part of social anxiety.
The Spotlight Effect and Social Anxiety
Fact checked by Emily Swaim
blushing woman covering face
How to Deal With Blushing When You Have SAD
Reviewed by Amy Morin, LCSW
African American woman covering face with hands
Do You Want to Be Invisible and Hide From People?
Reviewed by Amy Morin, LCSW
Sad woman standing at bar
Why Do People With Social Anxiety Disorder Shake?
Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD
Brain scans, MRI scans
How Brain Imaging Helps Explain Social Anxiety Disorder
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
A doctor explains test results to a patient.
Mini-Social Phobia Inventory (Mini-SPIN)
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Hormones can influence social anxiety
The Effect of Hormones on Your Social Anxiety
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Woman completing questionnaire
Profile of the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Woman looking out window
Understanding Why You're Afraid of People
Reviewed by Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS
Questionnaires can be used to assess social anxiety.
Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Woman filling out a survey
Profile of the Social Avoidance and Distress Scale
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD