Topic Page: Social Anxiety Disorder

NIMH Pages About Social Phobia

Overview of Social Phobia…


Find current clinical trials on Social Phobia…


Publications About Social Phobia

Social Phobia (Social Anxiety Disorder): Always Embarrassed
cover of social phobia trifold A brochure on social phobia that explains the signs, symptoms, and treatments. En Español
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety DisordersA detailed booklet that describes the symptoms, causes, and treatments of the major anxiety disorders, with information on getting help and coping En Español

Science News About Social Phobia

Bullying Exerts Psychiatric Effects Into Adulthood
Science Update •
Bullying Exerts Psychiatric Effects Into Adulthood

Once considered a childhood rite of passage, bullying lingers well into adulthood. Bullies and victims alike are at risk for psychiatric problems such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and suicide when they become adults, reported a study partially funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) that was published in the April issue of JAMA Psychiatry.

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Brain Imaging Predicts Psychotherapy Success in Patients with Social Anxiety Disorder
Science Update •
fMRI brain scan

Brain imaging might soon predict which treatment options would work best for patients with social phobia.

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National Survey Dispels Notion that Social Phobia is the Same as Shyness
Science Update •
teen waiting to get on the bus

Normal human shyness is not being confused with the psychiatric anxiety disorder known as social phobia, according to an NIMH survey comparing the prevalence rates of the two among U.S. youth.

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Social Phobia Patients Have Heightened Reactions to Negative Comments
Science Update •

In a study using functional brain imaging, NIMH scientists found that when people with generalized social phobia were presented with a variety of verbal comments about themselves and others ("you are ugly," or "he's a genius," for example) they had heightened brain responses only to negative comments about themselves.

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