Social Phobia Vs. Social Anxiety: What Is the Difference?

What Is Social Anxiety Disorder?

Social anxiety disorder is a mental health condition characterized by overwhelming nervousness about social situations and interactions. Experiencing apprehension before meeting a new person or presenting at work is normal, but those with social anxiety may see these tasks as nearly unbearable, as shared in many quotes about social anxiety.

Social anxiety disorder affects about 7% of adults in the United States.¹ While all genders and ages can experience social anxiety, rates of the disorder appear to be increasing among young adults.²

Symptoms of social anxiety disorder may include:

• Fears of being embarrassed
• Rapid heartbeat
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Sweating
• Restlessness
• Blushing
• Headaches
• Crying
• Feeling disconnected from body or surroundings

What Is Social Phobia?

Social phobia is the intense and disproportional fear of performing in front of others. Symptoms typically mirror those of social anxiety disorder, including both physical and mental manifestations. Previous versions of the DSM labeled social phobia as agoraphobia, which is the fear of being in an open or crowded space. However, social phobia is different from agoraphobia and thus no longer recognized as such.³

What Is the Difference Between Social Anxiety & Social Phobia?

The difference between social phobia and social anxiety disorder is that phobias focus on specific things or situations, whereas anxieties include overall worry and distress. Social phobia relates to performing in public, such as presenting, teaching, or similar activities. Social anxiety can occur in various social situations regardless of context (i.e., relationship dynamics, locations, etc.).

Are Social Phobia & Social Anxiety The Same?

Although the two terms are similar, social anxiety and social phobias are not exactly the same. While recent DSM criteria envelop social phobia within social anxiety disorder, there is a difference between which settings evoke a person’s worry and stress.³ However, professionals typically no longer use the term social phobia, opting instead for the broader social anxiety diagnosis.

Impacts of Social Anxiety & Social Phobia

Social anxiety symptoms can manifest in a person’s relationships, work, and self-perception. People may begin avoiding social interactions, even memorable events like weddings or birthday celebrations. They may also struggle with low self-esteem due to their struggles relating to and communicating with others.

Possible effects of social anxiety and social phobia may include:

• Low self-esteem
• Poor social skills that don’t improve
• Conflicts with friends or partners
• Feelings of isolation
• Sense of shame or embarrassment
• Avoiding social situations
• Feeling left out
• Depression symptoms
• Struggling to date or make friends
• Avoiding responsibilities

Treatment Options for Social Anxiety

Treatment for social anxiety disorder can offer relief to those struggling with the condition. Anxiety therapy options are available to help people manage their symptoms and fear of public situations. A combination of therapy and medication often yields the most promising results.⁴

Common social anxiety treatments include:

Social Anxiety Therapy

Psychotherapy is a front-line treatment for those struggling with social anxiety. Due to the link between trauma history and the later development of anxiety disorders, therapy provides a safe and reliable environment for clients to share their experiences and challenges.⁵

Many online therapy options for anxiety are available if you struggle to get started with traditional in-person care. Check an online therapist directory to find a therapist specializing in social anxiety.

Common therapies for social anxiety include:

• Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT): CBT for social anxiety helps people become aware of the thoughts contributing to their worries and fears of social situations to facilitate change.⁵
• Exposure therapy: Exposure therapy for social anxiety exposes clients gradually to feared situations, helping them become desensitized to social settings and build self-confidence.
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT): ACT helps teach clients to expect and accept difficult feelings like anxiety.
• Group therapy: Group therapy can benefit those with social anxiety because it helps them build social skills. CBT groups for social anxiety can provide coping skills to manage negative symptoms.

Social Anxiety Medication

Providers sometimes recommend anti-anxiety medication in addition to therapy. People can take these daily or as needed, like when presenting at work. Discuss your options with a psychiatrist and follow any medication guidelines.

In My Experience

In my experience, I have suffered from social anxiety my whole adult life, and it likely started in high school. But decades ago, discussing anxiety was much more shameful and largely ignored.  We did not have the awareness and compassion to allow those like myself to explore why we have this condition and how it manifests. Today I can recognize my symptoms easier, and I use this self-awareness to cope. I also give myself permission to skip certain social situations when I feel overwhelmed.