User:Mr. Ibrahem/Social anxiety disorder

Social anxiety disorder (SAD), also known as social phobia, is characterized by excessive fear or anxiety in social situations due to the possibility of being negatively judged by others. Other symptoms may include speaking quietly and a low degree of eye contact. Symptoms are to a degree that they impair functioning or significant distress occurs. Complications may include depression, substance misuse, and thoughts of suicide.

The cause involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Those with affected family members are 2 to 6 times more likely to be affected. Parenting that is overly controlling may be a risk. It is a type of anxiety disorder. Diagnosis requires ruling out other possible mental or physical disorders and for problems to persist for at least six month. It is categorized as "performance only" if it only occurs during such events.

Initial treatment is generally cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which may be done individually or in a group setting. In those who decline CBT, medications in the SSRI class may be used. Other medications may include beta blockers and benzodiazepines. Without treatment, it may result in a decreased quality of life.

About 7% of people are affected in a given year in the United States. It is less common in other areas of the world, with rates of 2.3% in Europe. Women are more commonly affected than men. The typical age of onset is 8 to 15 years old. The condition was first distinguished from agoraphobia in 1966.