• Social phobia is a type of anxiety disorder where individuals experience excessive and persistent fear of being judged, embarrassed, or humiliated in social settings.
• Social situations that can trigger anxiety in individuals with social phobia include public speaking, meeting new people, eating in front of others, attending parties, and participating in group activities.
• Social phobia can lead to physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, blushing, nausea, and dry mouth when faced with feared social situations.
• The fear and avoidance of social situations can significantly impact a person’s daily life, career, academic performance, and interpersonal relationships.
• Social phobia often starts in adolescence or early adulthood, but it can develop at any age.
• The exact causes of social phobias are not fully understood, but factors like genetics, brain chemistry, and environmental influences are believed to play a role.
• Social phobia commonly coexists with other mental health conditions such as depression, other anxiety disorders, and substance abuse.

Social phobia is treatable, and several approaches can be effective, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, medication (e.g., antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications), and relaxation techniques.