Social Anxiety Disorder
One of the most silent and overlooked conditions in medicine, Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) significantly impacts approximately 3-5% of Americans. Far more than just being socially awkward or shy, SAD is so persistent and all-encompassing that people typically construct their lives around their social fears – or choose to suffer through significant anxiety in order to stay in the mainstream. SAD typically begins in early adolescence and persists throughout adulthood.
Some of the core symptoms of SAD include the following:
- Fear of being with unfamiliar people
- Fear of being scrutinized or teased by others
- Fear of being humiliated or embarrassed
- Fear of speaking in public or being in the spotlight
- Avoiding situations that may produce anxiety
- Feeling socially isolated and/or settling for less fulfilling relationships
- Settling for less professionally (not reaching your potential)
If you have three or more of these symptoms, there is a very good chance that you may have SAD. SAD may be related to other medical disorders including depression, generalized anxiety (GAD), and panic disorder. Also, people with SAD may commonly use alcohol and drugs in order to fit in socially, and these may then become secondary problems.
Contact us to schedule an initial evaluation. Qualified participants will receive study related care at no charge and there is no need for health insurance.