Social phobia
Social phobia , also referred to as social anxiety disorder,is a compelling desire to avoid situations in which others may criticize a person . social phobia begins in childhood or adolescence,interferes with development, predisposes one to depression and substance abuse,and prevents one from working,dating, or getting married.early identification is important. (see supporting evidence for practice 19 - 1.) social phobia is considered to be the third largest psychological problem in the united states, affecting approximately 5.3 million (3.7%) americans yearly (ADAA,2003). First-degree relatives of persons with social phobia are about three times more likely to be affected with social phobia than are First-degree relatives of those without psychiatric-mental health disorders. Because onset usually begins in childhood or adolescence,it is important that social phobia be differentiated from appropriate fear and normal shyness (ADAA,2003).
Examples of social phobias include fears of performing in public, of public speaking , of eating or drinking in public,of using public restrooms,or of using public transportation. The person realizes that the fear is excessive or disproportionate to the activity or situation. Social phobia rarely is incapacitating, but may cause considerable inconvenience. The abuse of alcohol and other drugs may occur as the person with social phobia attempts to reduce anxiety . other comorbid disorders,including major depression, body dysmorphic disorder (Chapter 20), or a medical condition,may exist.
The person with clinical symptoms of social phobia experiences persistent, irrational fear of criticism,humiliation,or embarrassment.because they avoid social situations and often experience a disruption in school,academic achievement, or job performance,clients are misdiagnosed 90% of the time with disoders such as schizophrenia , bisorder,avoidant personality disorder,or depression. It is rare for clinical symptoms to develop after a person reaches the midtwenties (ADAA,2003; Richards,2003;Sadock and sadock,2003).
In certain cultures,such as japanese or korean, individuals may develop persistent and excessive fears of giving offense to others in social situation instead of begin embarrassed themselves. Such fears may cause extreme anxiety and avoidance of social of social interactions.