Social Anxiety Disorder
Dr. Aster: Hello I am Dr. Aster. Today’s topic is Social anxiety disorder. Social anxiety disorder, also called social phobia, is a long-lasting and overwhelming fear of social situations. It's a common problem that usually starts during the teenage years. Social anxiety is more than shyness. It's an intense fear that doesn't go away and affects everyday activities, self-confidence, relationships and work or school life. For some people it gets better as they get older, although for many it doesn't go away on its own. Many people occasionally worry about social situations, but someone with social anxiety feels overly worried before, during and after them. It can be very distressing and have a big impact on your life, but there are ways to help you deal with it. It's a good idea to see your GP if you think you have social anxiety, especially if it's having a big impact on your life. It’s a common problem and there are treatments that can help. Thank you.