Social phobia (Social Anxiety Disorder)

This involves an excessive or unreasonable fear of social situations, the individual being afraid they will embarrass or humiliate themselves. The individual is aware the fear is excessive or unreasonable, but feels unable to control it, and may experience high levels of anxiety or panic attacks in certain social situations.

Social Anxiety Disorder leads to significant distress or impairment and the individual may avoid social situations or endure them with intense anxiety that make him indulge in more abuse. 

Commonly feared social phobia situations include:

• Parties
• Conversations
• Meeting new people, especially those of higher social standing, e.g., doctors, bank managers
• Using public bathrooms

• Eating or drinking in front of others
• Meetings
• Dating
• Performing: music, sports, public speaking
• Writing in front of others.