How
common is social phobia?
Social
anxiety disorder or social phobia is a very common mental health disorder but is rarely discussed. Social phobia affects more than 10 million North Americans and is ranked just
behind depression and substance abuse. The exact number of people affected with this disorder is not
known as thousands more do not seek help or have not been diagnosed. The basic
essence of social phobia is intense anxiety and self-consciousness when one is in a public situation. The
symptoms of social phobia are very similar to what is seen during a panic attack. These
individuals often develop extreme anxiety when speaking in public, using public bathrooms, going to the
swimming pool, parties, eating in public places or any activity that requires
socialization.
