Social anxiety disorder is more than just being shy. It's a chronic condition that can cripple everyday interactions.
For Kristen Rogers, a simple chat with a coworker triggered heart-pounding panic, blank thoughts, and profuse sweating. She would replay conversations for hours, feeling embarrassed and ashamed. Diagnosed in 2020, she learned she had social anxiety disorder (SAD).
What Is Social Anxiety Disorder?
SAD is a persistent, intense fear of social situations where one might be judged or humiliated. Dr. Ellen Hendriksen, psychologist and author, explains it causes both distress-anxiety before, during, and after interactions-and impairment, like turning down promotions to avoid people.
Physical symptoms include blushing, rapid heart rate, nausea, trembling, and difficulty speaking.
Root Causes
SAD stems from biology, life experiences, and learned patterns.
- Biology: An overactive amygdala and family history increase risk. First-degree relatives of someone with SAD are up to six times more likely to have it.
- Life experiences: Negative events like abuse, neglect, or growing up with a medical condition can trigger SAD.
- Parenting: Modeling anxious behaviors, being overprotective, or being critical can contribute.
Women and Social Anxiety
Research shows women are more likely to have SAD and experience more severe symptoms. From a young age, many are taught to be agreeable, leading them to second-guess opinions and hold back. Major life events like moving or illness can trigger symptoms in adulthood, even if the disorder developed earlier.
Treatment and Hope
SAD is treatable with medication and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Exposure therapy, where people gradually face feared situations, is highly effective.
Rogers found CBT life-changing. “In a lot of ways, CBT saved my life,” she says. Six years after starting therapy, she no longer experiences daily anxiety. Her advice: “Find a good cognitive behavioral therapist. The process can be painful, but it really does get better.”