Social Anxiety disorder is a highly prevalent disease that is often overlooked by medical professionals. It is defined as paralyzing fear, avoidance behavior, and symptoms of blushing, sweating, shortness of breath, and muscle tension. People often are timid, lack self-esteem, and are uncomfortable in large groups of people. As a result of this those with social anxiety disorder may have few friends, difficulties in school, difficulties in intimate relationships, and problems with alcohol. (Masia, Klein, Storch, Corda, p.780) Social Anxiety Disorder is the third most common mental health problem, with one in eight persons or thirteen percent of the population being affected. (Zal, M. p.1686) This disorder begins usually at the age of thirteen and is a lifelong condition, and it seems to affect more women than men.
There are two kinds of social anxiety; the first one is Specific social anxiety, which is one that arises in only a few situations. People who have Specific social anxiety experience blushing, nausea, sweating, trembling, and a racing heart, fearing that people will notice these they impair performance of the individual. The second kind of anxiety is generalized social anxiety, which occurs in many situations and has great affects on the individual's life. People with this disorder often avoid situations where they are in the spotlight such as school, a new job, and public places. Many times a person with the disorder feels as though they are inferior to those around them who seem to deal with social interactions better. Many people with social anxiety disorder report tremendous dissatisfaction with their lives and perceive their quality of life to be poor. (Stein, M. Gorman, J p. 186).
As said earlier Social Anxiety disorder is more common in females as well as in people with a lower education status, people with lack of social supports, and people who use psychiatric medications.
