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Social Anxiety Disorder

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 3, 2024.

What is social anxiety disorder?

Social anxiety disorder causes you to worry about or be nervous in social situations. Examples include meeting new people or going to a party or on a date. Social anxiety disorder can cause problems with work, school, or other daily activities.

What increases my risk for social anxiety disorder?

The following may increase your risk for social anxiety disorder:

What are the signs and symptoms of social anxiety disorder?

You may have anxiety in any situation where you will have contact with people. It is hard for you to control your anxiety and feel calm in these situations. The anxiety may be present days or weeks before the situation occurs. You may have any of the following before or during contact with other people:

How is social anxiety disorder diagnosed?

Tell your healthcare provider when your symptoms began and what triggers them. Tell your provider if anxiety affects your daily activities. Your provider will also ask about your medical history and if you have family members with a similar condition. Tell your provider about your past and present alcohol, nicotine, or drug use. Any of these may worsen anxiety.

How is social anxiety disorder treated?

Treatment depends on how severe your symptoms are. The following are common treatments for social anxiety disorder:

Treatment options

The following list of medications are in some way related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

View more treatment options

What can I do to manage social anxiety disorder?

Wellness Tips

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

When should I call my doctor or therapist?

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.