Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is an anxiety disorder that can become severe and disruptive, including fear of being observed and judged negatively by others and excessive worry about humiliation or embarrassment. SAD occurs more in women than men, though men are more likely to seek help. It runs in families that neither socialize nor encourage children to interact with other children but is caused more by childhood environment. Common fears include public speaking, eating or drinking with others, doing an activity where others are watching, initiating conversations with strangers, dating, attending parties, joining social groups, interacting with authority figures, or asserting oneself with others. Also see Social Phobia