Baylor Health Care System
 

Social phobia

Definition

Social phobia is a persistent and irrational fear of situations that may involve scrutiny or judgment by others, such as parties and other social events.

Alternative Names

Phobia - social

Causes

Social phobias are characterized by fear and avoidance of situations in which a person may be subject to the scrutiny of others. It may begin in adolescence and may be associated with overprotective parents or limited social opportunity. Males and females are affected equally with this disorder.

People with social phobia are at high risk for alcohol or other drug dependence, because they may come to rely on drink or drugs to relax in social situations.

Review Date: 11/15/2006
Reviewed By: Paul Ballas, D.O., Department of Psychiatry, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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