Social phobia or social anxiety is a disorder where the sufferer has an intense fear of situations which require them to interact with others. They feel anxious that they might embarrass themselves by their words or actions. As a result they cannot face an audience under any circumstance. Even small and relatively simple tasks like making a presentation in the office seem a Herculean task.

The person suffering from social phobia often knows that their fears are irrational but they are helpless to do something about it. Classic symptoms include difficulty in speaking, sweating, nausea, palpitations, shaking, trembling etc. Sometimes, social phobia can give rise to panic attacks where the person feels overwhelmingly anxious and out of control. People with social phobia have a tough time interacting with others and communicating at the workplace.

They are unable to do things like going to malls, hospitals or functions. They often avoid taking up more responsibility for fear that they cannot manage it. As a result they fall behind their peers at the workplace. Such situations sometimes result in despair and anxiety. The result is depression. People with social phobia often suffer from depression and both problems have to be dealt with during treatment.