Social Phobia More Common Among Women

Experts say social phobia, which has a lifetime prevalence rate between 2 and 13 percent, typically begins between the ages of 13 and 20. While the condition is more common in women, men account for a higher proportion of clinical visits. Özgenur Taşkın, clinical psychologist specialist at Üsküdar University NPİSTANBUL Brain Hospital, noted that social phobia negatively impacts a person's life and provided important information regarding the condition.

What Are Others Thinking About Me?

Clinical psychologist specialist Özgenur Taşkın explained that individuals with social phobia experience excessive anxiety about being evaluated negatively by others. "People with social phobia experience intense anxiety when in crowded environments, fearing that they will be judged negatively by those around them, believing others will regard them as anxious, inadequate, boring, frightening, or unpleasant. These individuals experience intense anxiety about behaving or appearing in a noticeable manner, or displaying anxiety symptoms such as blushing, sweating, stuttering, or freezing—in other words, being evaluated negatively by others," she stated.

Attention to Symptoms

Noting that the most prominent symptoms of social phobia manifest as blushing, muscle trembling, and heart palpitations, Taşkın stated, "There are also other symptoms such as sweating, stomach discomfort, dry throat, feeling hot or cold, and pressure in the head."

They Experience Anxiety Speaking in Groups

Taşkın noted that individuals with social phobia avoid speaking in front of crowds and eating in public. "These individuals are reluctant to participate in small social groups where everyone can see each other. They avoid speaking to strangers, meeting new people, eating in public places, making phone calls in public, participating in small group activities, speaking to authority figures, or speaking in front of an audience. They are unable to do almost any of these things and make excuses to avoid doing them. This is also referred to as avoidance behavior," she said.

Biological and Genetic Factors Also Play a Role

Taşkın stated that research has identified chemical differences in the brains of individuals with social phobia, with findings particularly showing that serotonin, a chemical substance in the brain, is present at lower than normal levels in affected individuals. She also added that upbringing in childhood is an important factor in the development of the condition. Noting that environmental factors are influential in the development of social phobia, Taşkın emphasized that individuals with social phobia in their family and relatives have a somewhat higher risk of developing the condition.

Social Phobia Is a Commonly Occurring Condition

Psychologist Taşkın, noting that the lifetime prevalence rate of social phobia is between 2 and 13 percent, stated: "It is one of the most commonly seen psychiatric conditions. In a study conducted with university students in Turkey, the condition was found to be present in 24 percent of subjects. Social phobia begins between early and late adolescence, corresponding to the 13 to 20 age range. It has been observed that while it is more common in women, men account for a higher proportion of clinical visits."