Social Phobia
An ANXIETY DISORDER characterized by a constant fear of social or performance situations such as speaking in class or eating in public. This fear is often accompanied by physical symptoms such as sweating, blushing, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, or muscle tenseness. Social phobia usually emerges in the mid-teens and typically does not affect young children.
Teens with this disorder typically respond to these feelings by avoiding the feared situation. For example, they may stay home from school or avoid parties. Young people with social phobia are often overly sensitive to criticism, have trouble being assertive, and suffer from low self-esteem. Moreover, social phobia can be limited to specific situations, so the adolescent may fear dating and recreational events but be confident in academic and work situations.
Teens with this disorder typically respond to these feelings by avoiding the feared situation. For example, they may stay home from school or avoid parties. Young people with social phobia are often overly sensitive to criticism, have trouble being assertive, and suffer from low self-esteem. Moreover, social phobia can be limited to specific situations, so the adolescent may fear dating and recreational events but be confident in academic and work situations.
