Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder is a persistent fear of being judged, embarrassed, or humiliated in social or performance situations. It is not shyness that fades with practice; the dread is disproportionate and often leads people to avoid situations entirely, shrinking their work, relationships, and daily life.
Medicine used to treat Social Anxiety Disorder
More than nerves: what social anxiety actually feels like
The fear typically centres on specific triggers: speaking to colleagues, eating in public, meeting strangers, or being observed while doing ordinary tasks. Physical symptoms tend to follow quickly: blushing, sweating, a racing heart, or a blank mind at the worst moment. Many people in East and Southeast Asia report that cultural norms around face-saving intensify the avoidance, because the cost of being seen to stumble feels especially high.
Treatment options
Cognitive behavioural therapy is the first-line approach and produces lasting change in most people. When symptoms are severe or therapy alone is insufficient, medicines from the antidepressants class are commonly used. Paroxetine is one of the most studied options for social anxiety disorder, with consistent evidence across clinical trials. Treatment usually takes several weeks to take effect, and most people continue for at least a year to consolidate gains.
If social anxiety is causing you significant distress or stopping you from seeking help in the first place, talking to a doctor is a reasonable first step.