Social anxiety disorder
Social anxiety is a strong fear of being judged, embarrassed or watched by others. It can make it very hard to speak in meetings, attend interviews, eat in public or make phone calls. Many people avoid these situations for years before getting help.
Specific phobias
A phobia is an intense fear of a particular thing or situation, such as heights, flying, lifts, closed spaces, injections, blood or animals. The fear is much stronger than the actual danger and leads to avoidance.
Signs to look for
- Blushing, sweating or shaking in social situations
- Avoiding meetings, events or travel
- Worrying for days before an event
- Panic when facing the feared object or place
How it is treated
CBT and graded exposure therapy are the main treatments. You face feared situations slowly, in planned steps, until the fear reduces. Medicines can help when anxiety is severe or long-standing. Dr. Deeksha Rohilla sees adults and teenagers for social anxiety and phobias at Seawoods, Vashi and Bandra.