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Begin the social anxiety test
Begin the social anxiety test
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is social anxiety disorder?
Social anxiety disorder is a type of anxiety disorder and is commonly referred to as social phobia. Some common signs of social anxiety disorder include fear of judgment, excessive worries about embarrassment, irrational anxiety, and self-consciousness. Other common symptoms of social anxiety include:
- Physical symptoms: racing heartbeat, sweating, feeling shortness of breath, nausea, lightheadedness, trembling
- Mental or behavioral symptoms: feeling self-conscious in public, having difficulty around new people, being afraid of judgment, struggling with eye contact, avoiding any social situation that would trigger anxiety
How is social anxiety diagnosed?
Although there is no specific medical test to diagnose social anxiety disorder, Talkspace’s licensed mental health professionals can make a diagnosis for social phobia by talking with you about your symptoms and behaviors.
Can social anxiety be self-diagnosed?
Only a skilled clinician can provide an official diagnosis for social anxiety.
Even still, if you find yourself asking, “do I have social anxiety,” taking an online mental health assessment acts as a great first step toward gaining clarity and understanding your symptoms. Your doctor or therapist is an expert at knowing how to diagnose mental health conditions; leave the diagnosis to them, and then collaborate on a treatment plan that works for you.
Am I just shy or do I have social anxiety?
People commonly confuse social anxiety with shyness. Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a mental health condition characterized by a persistent, intense fear of social situations. Someone with social anxiety may choose to avoid social encounters due to persistent thoughts about being judged. Shyness, on the other hand, is a personality trait that can cause nervousness in unfamiliar situations, but being shy generally doesn’t interfere with daily life and relationships.
The major differences that distinguish shyness from social anxiety include:
- How impaired your ability to function is
- How intense your fear is of being judged by others in a social interaction
- The level of avoidance you’ll go to when trying to skip a social gathering or event
What triggers social anxiety?
People with social anxiety disorder are afraid of various social situations that involve interactions, being observed, or performing in front of others. Some examples of situations that may trigger social anxiety disorder symptoms include:
- Meeting new people or talking to strangers
- Public speaking or speaking up in a group setting
- Going to a social event (such as attending a party or date) or public environment (like school, work, or the grocery store)
- Eating in a public setting
Will social anxiety go away on its own?
With effective treatment, people with social anxiety disorder can learn to identify their triggers, find coping strategies, and improve their symptoms.
Remember that social anxiety disorder is a mental health condition that can be difficult to work through on your own. Online therapy is an effective tool for those dealing with social anxiety, whether it’s cognitive behavioral therapy or exposure therapy. For severe anxiety disorders, online psychiatry and medication management may be used in addition to therapy for the best results.
As you explore your options, know that Talkspace is committed to making mental health care affordable by offering online therapy and psychiatry plans that take insurance.
