| A person suffering from social anxiety disorder | | | | work, simple interactions such as eating or drinking |
| (SAD) develops feelings of intense fear, dread or | | | | in front of others, attending gatherings or meeting |
| worry, when it comes to interacting socially. It is | | | | new people. It inhibits their mental growth and |
| considered the third most common disorder, after | | | | development and the fear kills them from within. |
| depression and substance abuse. People suffering | | | | These fears may sound unbelievable to us, but |
| from SAD usually avoid social situations, | | | | are completely uncontrollable for those affected. |
| gatherings and prefer being alone. It can lead to | | | | Some victims attempt suicide or try to harm |
| panic attacks, comprising of severe moments of | | | | themselves. They need professional counseling. |
| an undefined fear giving way to physical | | | | Treating this disorder involves a combination of |
| symptoms such as blushing, sweating, racing | | | | medicines and psychotherapy. Through cognitive |
| heartbeats, muscle tightening, trembling and an | | | | behavioral therapy, victims are encouraged to |
| awkward feeling that something is terribly wrong. | | | | directly face the fear-inducing situation, which |
| SAD basically a chronic disabling fear of public | | | | makes them habitually strong from inside. Along |
| situations, which inevitably takes its toll on a | | | | with relaxation and breathing exercises, patients |
| person's academic, social, and professional | | | | are also advised to improve their dietary habits |
| performance. Seventy per cent of the affected | | | | and give up alcohol and drugs. Anti-depressants, |
| people develop this disorder before the age of 25. | | | | along with tranquilizers, are essential in treating this |
| However, there are chances of it occurring much | | | | disorder. However, the amount in which they are |
| earlier, perhaps at the age of 15 or so. It often | | | | prescribed has to be strictly adhered to and |
| targets women more than men. It is also | | | | monitored, for they are quite harmful and |
| associated with Serotonin dysfunction. Victims | | | | addictive. Following the treatment religiously can |
| experience intense and persistent fear in one or | | | | lead to total recovery and it can help a person |
| more social situations such as public speaking, | | | | lead a normal life. |