Definition:
Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is considered to be one of the anxiety disorders. According to the 4th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, social anxiety disorder is made up of the following symptoms:
- A frequent and unending fear of social situations or situations where you are expected to perform in some way; in these situations, you come into contact with unfamiliar people or experience the possibility of scrutiny by others.
- You experience fear about appearing anxious or acting in a way that will bring about embarrassment or humiliation.
- Coming into contact with a feared situation almost always causes anxiety, maybe even in the form of a panic attack.
- You recognize that the fear you experience in response to social situations is unreasonable or greater than it should be.
- You avoid situations you fear or, if you have to be in those situations, you do so with high levels of anxiety and distress.
- The above symptoms interfere considerably with many aspects of your life (for example, work, relationships, etc.)
- The above symptoms are not due to the taking of some kind of medication or substance (for example, alcohol) and are not due to a medical condition or other disorder.
Also Known As: SAD, social phobia
