Symptoms of social anxiety disorder

There are a wide range of physical symptoms a social phobia sufferer could experience if a person anticipates or are in a social anxiety provoking situation.

The severity of anxiety a person could experience might vary depending on the number of people the anxiety sufferer sees and the type of social situation.

Here is a list of common social situations that could induce an anxiety in someone who social anxiety disorder:

• Public speaking
• Eating in public
• Being interviewed by a stranger
• Writing in public
• Shopping
• Speaking with strangers
• Using the phone
• Attending social events (e.g., parties, concerts)
• Using public restrooms
• Talking with important people or authority figures
• Crowds
• Doing any sort of activity where the person might be watched

If put in one of the above social anxiety provoking situations, a sufferer's heart might start beating more rapidly and their palms maybe begin sweating The person soon exhibiting all the signs of an anxiety attack; the response to flee the situation begins. The feelings or anxiety or panic don't ease until after that person has left the anxiety causing situation.

Physical symptoms of social anxiety disorder vary from person to person but below is a common list of symptoms associated with this mental disorder. Keep in mind that these symptoms could occur before (steadily increasing in severity before the event) or during the social anxiety causing event/situation:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Involuntary twitching
• Shaky voice
• Dry mouth
• Sweating
• Muscle tension
• Ticks
• Upset stomach
• Confusion
• Trembling or shaking
• Blushing