What is Social Phobia (continued)

When people with S.A.D. approach social situations or sometimes just imagine approaching them, they experience intense anxiety. These individuals often exhibit physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, excessive sweating, tremors, and rapid heart beat (Jefferson & Moore, 2004). In some cases, people with this disorder may be able to endure these symptoms and follow through with the situation. In other cases, however, the symptoms are so overwhelming that these individuals may refuse to continue the actions because of their acute fear. In extreme cases, they may even experience a full-blown panic attack. Individuals with social phobia are often so affected by the disorder that it can complicate many aspects of their life depending on the subtype of the phobia, the patient’s occupation, or the social demands placed upon them (Jacobson, 2001). For example, one with a phobia of public speaking may refuse a promotion for a new position that could involve giving public speeches. Some people with the fear of urinating in public rest rooms may choose not to be away from home for long periods. Anxiety and autonomic symptoms may, in fact, impair performance to the point where it is inept (Jacobson, 2001). For example, a patient phobic about writing in public may tremble so much that their handwriting becomes illegible.