Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is a type of anxiety disorder in which a person feels extremely anxious in some social situations and has a chronic fear of being judged by others. People with this condition also have an intense fear of embarrassing themselves. About 15 million adult Americans ages 18 and older suffer from social anxiety disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

Some people with social anxiety disorder may experience extreme anxiety only in certain situations. Others with social anxiety disorder feel intense anxiety in most social situations, making it difficult to form and maintain relationships. Social anxiety disorder often begins in childhood or early adolescence and usually lasts throughout a person’s lifetime.

Patients with social anxiety disorder typically experience specific symptoms when confronted with an anxiety-provoking social situation. Such symptoms may include blushing, profuse sweating, trembling, heart palpitations, muscle tension, nausea, diarrhea and/or difficulty talking. In some cases, symptoms may progress to a full-blown panic attack, a sudden brief episode of fear and anxiety.