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Social phobia - Symptom

Alternative Names

Phobia - social

Symptoms:

Social phobia is different from shyness. Shy people are able to participate in social functions. People with social phobia are constrained by their condition to the point that it affects their ability to function in work and relationships.

Some of the most common fears of people with social phobia include:

Attending parties and other social occasions
Eating, drinking, and writing in public
Meeting new people
Speaking in public
Using public restrooms

Signs and tests:

The health care provider will look at your history of phobia, and will get a description of the behavior from you, your family, and friends.

Signs include:

Elevated blood pressure
Rapid heart rate

Reviewed last on: 12/15/2008
Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Timothy A. Rogge, MD, private practice in Psychiatry, Kirkland, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Moore DP, Jefferson JW. Social phobia. In: Moore DP, Jefferson JW, eds. Handbook of Medical Psychiatry. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier;2004: chap 86.

Katon W, Geyman JP. Anxiety disorders. In: Rakel RE, ed. Textbook of Family Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 57.

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