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Moderate severity
· Psychiatry
Social Anxiety
Intense fear of judgement in social settings
Crippling fear of being judged or embarrassed. People avoid speaking up, parties, sometimes work. CBT and SSRIs help most.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- Affects 5–10%
- Typical age
- Teens to mid-20s onset
- Outlook
- Highly treatable
- System
- Mind
Reviewed by a verified Psychiatry doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Genetics
- Critical or over-protective upbringing
- Bullying history
- Anxious temperament
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Fear of social situations
- Avoidance of public speaking
- Blushing, sweating, trembling
- Anticipatory anxiety days before
- Performance anxiety
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- CBT with gradual exposure
- SSRIs (paroxetine, sertraline)
- Beta-blockers for performance
- Group therapy
- Mindfulness, role-play
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Build social skills early
- Teach kids to manage failure
- Treat anxiety in adolescence
- Limit avoidance-coping
Do’s
- Start with small exposures
- Stick with therapy 12+ weeks
- Practice public speaking weekly
- Reach out to peer groups
Don’ts
- Drink before social events
- Take benzodiazepines daily
- Avoid all social situations
- Compare yourself online
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
Top specialists
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Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.