Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is a medical condition that causes fear and anxiety in social situations. It is normal to feel nervous in some social situations, but in social anxiety disorder, everyday interactions cause significant anxiety, self-consciousness, and embarrassment because of the fear of being scrutinized or judged negatively by others. The fear that people with social anxiety disorder have in social situations is so intense that they feel it is beyond their control.

The causes of social anxiety disorder are complex and likely arise from a combination of biological and environmental factors. Some possible causes include:

• Inherited traits: Anxiety disorders tend to run in families, but it isnt entirely clear how much of this may be due to genetics and how much is due to learned behavior.
• Brain chemistry: Social anxiety disorder may have a biological cause, as some individuals’ brain structure and chemistry might make them more likely to develop anxiety disorders including social anxiety disorder.
• Negative social experiences: People who have a negative social experience, a traumatic humiliation, or other embarrassing experience may begin to experience fear of social situations that eventually develops into social anxiety disorder.
• Shyness: Shy kids are more likely to become socially anxious adults.

Social anxiety disorder is treatable with talk therapy and medications such as antidepressants. If you experience signs of social anxiety disorder or have been diagnosed, it is important to seek treatment because this type of anxiety affects your quality of life.