Two people talking freely and one person who looks anxious

Social Anxiety Disorder

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Medically reviewed by Akeem Marsh, MD on November 04, 2020

Akeem Marsh, MD, is a board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist who has dedicated his career to working with medically underserved communities.

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Akeem Marsh, MD
on November 04, 2020

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a mental health issue that involves a dread of social situations including performing or speaking in front of others for fear of being negatively judged. According to mental health experts, SAD impacts 7% of the U.S. population.

Although it's common for many people to experience nervousness or feel "butterflies" when facing certain social situations, people with SAD are extremely self-conscious and worry about what people think to the point that they often experience physical symptoms. These may include a rapid heart rate, sweating, blushing, nausea, shaking, and lightheadedness.

People with SAD often benefit from psychotherapy techniques, such as cognitive behavioral therapy. Medication is also recommended to help cope and take control of the situation.

Key Terms

  • Anxiety Disorder

    An anxiety disorder is a serious mental health issue that causes a person to feel significant worries or fears. Because these worries will not go away on their own, they may get worse over time and can interfere with daily activities without treatment.

  • Phobia

    A phobia is a type of anxiety disorder that involves a persistent, excessive, and irrational fear of something like a situation, activity, object, person, or animal. Typically, people with phobias try to avoid the source of their fear; or if they cannot avoid the source, they may try to endure it even though they experience a great deal of stress and anxiety.

    What Is a Phobia?
  • Psychotherapy

    Psychotherapy is a process therapists use to treat mental health issues and psychological disorders. Through the use of different techniques and methods, a psychotherapist will help a client address psychological or life issues. While there are many approaches to psychotherapy, the overall goal is to help the client overcome problematic thoughts and actions.

    How Psychotherapy Is Used
  • SSRIs

    SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are a class of antidepressants commonly prescribed to treat a variety of mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and more. SSRIs work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which is believed to help regulate mood and anxiety.

    How SSRIs Are Used to Treat SAD
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  1. ational Institute of Mental Health. Social anxiety disorder: more than just shyness.

  2. National Institute of Mental Health. Anxiety disorders. Updated July 2018.