Main Phenomenology of Social Phobia - By Judith Cozens
Those suffering from Social Phopbia experience phobic anxiety, and avoid, or find difficult, sovial or performance situations. The word "PHOBIA". which comes from the Greek word "PHOBOS", means fear; and fear, alarm, horror, and sometimes terror is what is experienced by those with Social Phobia in the above situations. Fear is triggered by being watched or scrutinised by others, by the possibility of being seen to be anxious or embarassed, or doing or saying something wrong, and the chance of a negative evaluation by others which may have detrimental consequences. Socail Phobia can be confused with Agoraphobia as sufferers of both disorders may avoid many of the same situations, but the reasons for avoidance will differ. Those with Agoraphobia will avoid places because of the difficulty of escaping to avoid personal harm. Those with Social Phobia will avoid them because of the fear of scrutiny from others. If they are alone, there is no one to see or evaluate them therfore they do not fear the situation.(in development)
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