Social / Performance Anxiety

People with social anxiety disorder often get very nervous in public and around other people. They feel as if everyone is watching and judging them. An individual with social anxiety disorder is afraid of making mistakes, appearing foolish, and feeling embarrassed. Consequently, certain people, places, or social events are avoided. Social anxiety disorder affects over 16 million Americans, can happen to anyone, and often starts in mid-adolescence.

Associated Features

• A marked and persistent fear of social or performance situations
• Excessive or unreasonable fear of unfamiliar people or possible scrutiny by others
• Fear of acting in ways that will be humiliating or embarrassing
• Exposure to the feared social situation almost invariably provokes anxiety
• Anxiety may be expressed by crying, tantrums, freezing, or shrinking from social situations with unfamiliar people
• Avoidance of feared social or performance situations or else are endured with intense anxiety or distress