Symptoms and overcoming social anxiety (social phobia)

Most of us get nervous before a presentation or a new social situation, and in other forms as well, the attention of others can be uncomfortable, their gaze – this is completely natural.

But what happens when the feeling of fear becomes constant, and even the simplest social situations cause tension and anxiety?

Social anxiety is exactly this kind of condition: quiet, insidious, and it can affect all areas of life. In this article, I will explain in detail what it actually means, who it affects, its forms and symptoms, how it can be recognized, and when it's worth seeking help.

• Social anxiety is not simple shyness; it is a serious psychological condition that affects the quality of life.

• There are different types of social anxiety (specific vs. generalized), and both are worth recognizing.

• Psychological support following recognition can significantly improve the situation.

The Meaning of Social Anxiety

Social anxiety, also known as social phobia (officially social anxiety disorder – SAD), is a condition where the person has a persistent and excessive fear of being judged, rejected by others, or doing something embarrassing.

In situations where they are exposed to the attention of others, anxiety symptoms can appear suddenly.

All of this should not be confused with shyness. Shy people may be somewhat withdrawn, but they typically do not experience significant distress or avoidance. On the other hand, people with social anxiety often experience serious internal tension, self-criticism, avoidance behavior, and a decrease in self-confidence.

The Prevalence of Social Anxiety

Social anxiety is among the most common anxiety disorders: It affects about 2-4% of the population according to estimates. Considering all psychiatric disorders, it ranks high after major depression and alcohol dependence as the third most common psychiatric disorder in the population.

Typically, it begins in childhood, often around the ages of 10–14. In children, anxiety appears not only towards adults but also in interactions with peers. The symptoms peak in early adulthood, and without treatment, social anxiety becomes chronic, with an average duration of 20 years, but it can accompany us throughout our lives.

A study conducted in 2000 found that 6.4% of the Hungarian population experienced social anxiety at some point in their lives. It was most common among young people aged 18–24. In terms of gender ratio, women are affected 1.5-2 times more often in this psychiatric disorder than men.

Therefore, social anxiety causes a significant decline in life quality, is chronic, and prone to high comorbidity – meaning it is often associated with other mental health issues over time, such as anxiety, depression, panic disorder, or various dependencies, often alcohol abuse.

Types of Social Anxiety

We distinguish two subtypes of social anxiety.

Specific Form:

In this case, social anxiety appears only in certain situations. Contrary to the common understanding, it is not limited to just public speaking or presenting. It can appear in everyday situations such as:

• eating or drinking in the presence of others,

• smoking in front of others,

• being alone with an acquaintance,

• talking to new people,

• speaking or giving a presentation in front of others,

• making and holding eye contact,

• entering public places,

• using a public restroom,

• or even making a simple phone call.

Generalized Social Anxiety:

In this case, anxiety can manifest in many social situations due to the fear of negative evaluation, and symptom formation is not limited to a specific situation. The affected person may feel uncomfortable both in front of strangers and acquaintances, during informal conversations or in front of authority figures.

Symptoms of Social Anxiety

As I reported in the following TV interview, social anxiety can have numerous physical and mental symptoms, with the primary symptom being anxiety. If other physical or psychological disorders accompany social phobia (comorbidity), it further worsens the quality of life for those affected.

Even in