All Types Of Phobias
Social Anxiety Disorder is an affliction affecting millions of American each year. Sometimes referred to as Social Phobia, it is a condition that can often be mistaken for shyness hen seen in its mildest forms. However, for those whose lives are disrupted by any of the three types of social anxiety, its effects can be devastating. With symptoms ranging from mild discomfort with public speaking to full-blown Panic Attacks in any social encounter, this sometimes debilitating disorder often goes undiagnosed and untreated.
Of the three types of social anxiety, what is known as Generalized Social Anxiety Disorder is by far the most common. It is characterized by general feelings of discomfort for certain individuals when they are faced with common social interactions like speaking with a superior at work or attending a social function. Often mistaken for shyness, this type of Social Anxiety Disorder affects millions of Americans in their daily lives. Non-Generalized, or Performance Anxiety Disorder is another of the three types of Social Phobia. We all know – or we may in fact be – one of those individuals who are afraid of speaking in front of large groups, or being called upon to answer questions during class or a meeting. Most people with this condition simply avoid any situation in which they are or may be required to perform in front of other people.
The third and most damaging of the three types is Avoidant Personality Disorder. This is the form of the disorder that can cause individuals to avoid all social contact with other people, including dating and friendships. Studies have shown that individuals with this type of social anxiety are generally male, and have usually lived with the symptoms of the disorder since a very young age. Much of the focus on treatment for social phobia has been on finding ways for these individuals to manage their affliction, with the evidence indicating that they can generally be helped through a combination of the same behavior modification and drug treatments that work for patients afflicted with the generalized form of the disorder.
It is important to remember that all but the most uninhibited of us suffer from at least some form of shyness. None of us actively seek out embarrassing situations, nor do we enjoy that feeling of self-consciousness that sometimes accompanies new and unfamiliar environments. Most of us, however, learn to manage and overcome our shyness; any person whose shyness takes any of these more extreme forms may be suffering from social phobia, and should immediately seek treatment to avoid the negative effects that the disorder can have in their lives.
Walter Shustikov is the author of the book “How to Conquer Social Anxiety Disorder Now” which has helped thousands of people overcome their social anxiety. He is also the owner of the most popular blog about social anxiety disorder called ShyandQuiet.com.
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