Social Phobia: Beyond Being Shy

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Although this disorder is often thought of as shyness, they are not the same. Shy people can be very uneasy around others, but they don't have the extreme anxiety in anticipating a social situation. Also, they don't necessarily avoid circumstances that

make them feel self-conscious. In contrast, people with social phobia are not necessarily shy at all and can be completely at ease with some people most of the time. Most people with social phobia will try to avoid situations that cause

our information about anxiety, panic and phobias is being updated. We will publish the updated version on this page as soon as it is ready. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Specific phobia. Anxiety is associated with a specific object or situation. The phobic object or situation is avoided, anticipated with fear, or endured with extreme anxiety to the extent that it interferes with normal routines and activities. Panic disorder. An unpredictable, unexpected period of intense fear or discomfort compounded by shortness of breath, dizziness, lightheadedness, shaking, fear of losing control, and an increased, racing heart beat (called a panic attack). Symptoms can last several hours, but usually peak after 10 minutes. Agoraphobia. Agoraphobia is defined as a fear of open spaces, such as being outside or leaving home alone, related to one or more phobias or the fear of having a panic attack.