Butterflies - or social anxiety disorder?
From Health Notes, Spring 2003

With the possible exception of politicians, most of us feel a few butterflies when giving a speech or attending a party where we only know a few guests. For someone with social anxiety disorder, such normal uneasiness becomes so profound that it’s incapacitating.

Also called social phobia, social anxiety disorder typically begins during childhood or early adolescence and occurs in women twice as often as men; some may have been excessively shy as children. People with the disorder are intensely afraid of social situations such as public speaking, eating in front of others, meeting people or even using public restrooms.

While it’s natural to feel a little anxious and self-conscious in such situations, those with social anxiety disorder become so frightened that they endure certain events only with great discomfort, or avoid them altogether. Some may avoid a wedding reception or a chance to speak to the PTA, while others may pass up promotions that require giving presentations.

Emotional symptoms - such as an overwhelming fear of embarrassment, exaggerated anxious thoughts or feeling like all eyes are on them - may begin building as soon as someone is assigned a speech or receives a party invitation. Physical symptoms can also build gradually, and include facial blushing, difficulty speaking, rapid heartbeat, trembling, excessive sweating, and nausea or abdominal distress.

If you’re experiencing some of these symptoms, or if your fear of certain social situations has become so overwhelming that it’s interfering with daily life, talk to your physician. He or she can refer you to community resources for diagnosis and treatment, which may involve medication, therapy or a combination of both. back

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