Social Anxiety Disorder

What is it?

If you find it difficult to socialize the way others do and dread social situations such as making presentations, starting conversations, asking for help, speaking up in class or social smiling, then you might have social anxiety disorder. Social anxiety can affect even very young children. If you have social anxiety you worry about how you are coming across in social situations and tend to worry that others are noticing you or finding fault with how you act. You might even feel like everyone else has the secret to socializing except you.

How we treat it?

Successful treatment can include cognitive behavioral therapy, social exposure therapy, social skills practice and medication. Treatment involves learning how to feel socially competent and confident despite making mistakes or not knowing how others will react.