Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder

by Michael Jubinville, MPH

En Español (Spanish Version)

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) symptoms differ from person to person. Some may have only a few, while others have many.

People with SAD may stay away from social settings or public places because they fear:

Being teased or criticized
Being the center of attention
Meeting or talking to new people
Meeting or talking to people who may be in charge
Eating, writing, or speaking in public
Using public toilets

In social events people may have:

Blushing
Excessive sweating
Shaking
Nausea or vomiting
Problems making eye contact

These symptoms can make fears worse. This can lead to panic attacks. Over time, the person may stay away from areas where a panic attack happened.

REFERENCES:

Social anxiety disorder. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115906/Social-anxiety-disorder. Updated September 21, 2018. Accessed February 27, 2019.

Social anxiety disorder: More than just shyness. National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/social-anxiety-disorder-more-than-just-shyness/index.shtml. Accessed February 27, 2019.

Social phobia. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/psychiatric-disorders/anxiety-and-stressor-related-disorders/social-phobia. Updated July 2018. Accessed February 27, 2019.

• Previous • Next

Last reviewed December 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Adrian Preda, MD
Last Updated: 2/27/2019

EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at healthlibrarysupport@ebsco.com. Our Health Library Support team will respond to your email request within 2 business days.