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Abstract
Social phobia is characterized by fear of situations where the individual may be exposed to scrutiny of others. The hallmark of this disorder is a fear of negative evaluation. As a result social situations are either avoided or endured with severe distress.
Social phobia was thought to be a relatively rare condition, it is now believed to be one of the most common anxiety disorders. It affects approximately 7-13 % of the population at some time during their lives. Social phobia has an early onset during childhood and adolescence; the peak age of onset for social phobia is in the teens. The disorder has been found in almost every culture studied.
Social phobia is an enduring condition, and co morbidity is the rule rather than the exception. Sufferers have a high risk of other anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, substance abuse, eating disorders and suicidal attempts, particularly in patients with other co morbid disorders. It is an extremely disabling disorder. Sufferers are impaired in individual and social roles with serious impact on quality of life. Most sufferers share the popular view that they are experiencing just shyness rather than a treatable medical condition. Many of these patients are under-diagnosed and under-treated.