Social Anxiety Disorder

Many people feel nervous in certain social settings. Meeting new people, going on a date, giving a performance - nearly everyone has experienced the anxiety that these situations can provoke. Social anxiety disorder, or social phobia, however, describes a marked, intense and persistent fear of social situations that can be differentiated from the more typical fear that comes with discomforting situations. The anxiety associated with SAD not only leaks into an individual’s social life but interferes with his or her everyday activities and professional life. While other mental health disorders cause social anxiety symptoms (e.g. sweating, palpitations, or panic attacks), social anxiety disorder refers only to individuals who specifically avoid or fear social situations. 

For more information visit: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) An organization with the National Institute of health dedicated to mental health research: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/social-phobia-social-anxiety-disorder/index.shtml