Written by Glintcare Clinical Team
Our multidisciplinary clinical team develops and reviews educational mental health content to ensure accuracy, clarity, and alignment with current clinical practice.
Social Anxiety Disorder, also known as social phobia, involves an intense fear of social situations where you may be judged, embarrassed, or scrutinised by others. It goes far beyond everyday nervousness and can significantly impair work, school, and relationships.
Signs and Symptoms
Physical symptoms include blushing, sweating, trembling, nausea, and a racing heart in social situations. Behaviourally, people with social anxiety may avoid social events, speak softly, avoid eye contact, or use alcohol to cope. Internally, there is often harsh self-criticism and rumination after social interactions.
Common Triggers
- Public speaking or performing - Meeting new people - Eating or drinking in front of others - Being the centre of attention - Speaking up in meetings or class - Using public restrooms
Causes and Risk Factors
Social anxiety typically emerges in adolescence and can be influenced by genetics, brain structure (particularly the amygdala), parenting styles, bullying or rejection experiences, and cultural factors.
Effective Treatments
CBT for Social Anxiety: Focuses on challenging negative beliefs and gradually facing feared situations
Social Skills Training: Builds practical conversational and assertiveness skills
Group Therapy: Provides a safe environment to practice social interactions
Medication: SSRIs, beta-blockers for performance situations
Living with Social Anxiety
With treatment, most people with social anxiety experience significant improvement. Many go on to build fulfilling social and professional lives. At Glintcare, our therapists specialise in evidence-based social anxiety treatment in a supportive, non-judgemental setting.
