Social anxiety disorder is an intense, persistent fear of being judged, embarrassed, or watched in social or performance situations. It leads people to avoid those situations or get through them with significant distress. It is more than shyness, and it is treatable with cognitive behavioral therapy, medication such as SSRIs or SNRIs, and supportive skill-building.
You are not "too sensitive," and you do not have to push through alone.
Common signs of social anxiety
- Intense fear of being judged, criticized, or embarrassed
- Worrying for days or weeks before a social event
- Avoiding speaking up, meeting new people, or eating in front of others
- Blushing, sweating, trembling, nausea, or a shaky voice in social situations
- Your mind going blank when you are the center of attention
- Replaying and criticizing conversations afterward
- Anxiety that affects work, school, or relationships
Experiencing some of these does not necessarily mean you have a diagnosis. A comprehensive evaluation can help clarify what is going on.
How we treat social anxiety
We start by understanding which situations are hardest for you, how long the anxiety has been present, and how it affects your goals. Social anxiety often overlaps with depression and other anxiety conditions, so we look at the full picture.
Treatment is collaborative. Evidence-based medications, such as SSRIs or SNRIs, can lower the intensity of social fear for many people. We also focus on practical coping strategies and recommend cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps people gradually face feared situations with more confidence.
Why telehealth can be a good fit
For many people with social anxiety, the hardest part is walking into an unfamiliar office. Telepsychiatry lets you start care from a familiar, private space, which can make that first step feel more manageable.
Services that can help
- Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to understand your symptoms and history
- Medication management with education and shared decision-making
- Supportive therapeutic interventions to build coping skills
- Telepsychiatry from a private, comfortable space
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between shyness and social anxiety disorder?
Shyness is a personality trait that usually does not stop people from doing what they want. Social anxiety disorder involves intense, persistent fear that leads to avoidance or significant distress and interferes with work, school, or relationships.
Can social anxiety be treated with medication?
Yes. Certain antidepressants, especially SSRIs and SNRIs, are evidence-based treatments for social anxiety disorder. Many people do best when medication is combined with cognitive behavioral therapy.