Research conducted in America shows some interesting statistics about this fear of social situations; The National Institute of Mental Health estimates at least 5.3 million Americans (almost 4 percent) suffer from a social phobia, an overwhelming anxiety and self-consciousness in social settings. The Surgeon General's Report on Mental Health issued at the end of 1999 puts the number of people affected by social phobias as high as 7 percent.

One in four say they've experienced intense fear and trembling in social situations. Many more say they've felt nervousness, blushing, a racing heart or dry mouth and throat, some of the symptoms of social phobia.

Social phobias are thought to be almost twice as prevalent in women as in men, though a higher portion of men seek help, according to the National Mental Health Association. The disorder rarely develops after age 25.

Some people have "generalized social phobia" in which they fear any situation where they may be under the scrutiny of others. Others have a fear of only certain social situations, such as public speaking (Glossophobia), and therefore have "non-generalized social phobia."

Up to half of social phobics may also suffer from a simultaneous problems such as panic disorder, depression or substance abuse. Some people with social phobia become so anxious they develop panic disorder.

Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is characterized by unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear (panic attacks) which are often accompanied by chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness or abdominal distress.

Panic attacks can accompany social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder or major depression. However, they sometimes affect otherwise healthy individuals.

It is not unusual for a person with panic disorder to develop phobias about certain places or situations where panic attacks have occurred, such as in supermarkets or other everyday situations. As the frequency of panic attacks increases, the person often begins to avoid situations where they fear another attack may occur or where help would not be immediately available. This avoidance may eventually develop into agoraphobia, an inability to go beyond known and safe surroundings because of intense fear and anxiety.