What does social phobia look like?
There are two types of social phobia. Specific social anxiety (also called performance anxiety) arises in limited situations. It’s a problem mainly for people whose work (for example, acting, music, or lecturing) requires them to perform in public. Far more prevalent and disabling is generalized social anxiety. People with this disorder fear common social situations, such as eating or ordering food in public; asking questions or seeking help; meeting new people; speaking to strangers; and even using public facilities, such as restrooms. They may lose out on job opportunities because they’re afraid of interviews; they may forgo training and education because they fear being called on in class. Symptoms include a racing heart, dry mouth, shaky voice, blushing, trembling, sweating, and nausea. In specific social anxiety, fear that people will notice these symptoms may impair performance, leading to a downward spiral in which worsening performance reinforces worsening anticipatory anxiety.
