Читать книгу Anxiety Toolbox: The Complete Fear-Free Plan - Gloria Thomas - Страница 24

Social phobia is an extreme type of anxiety (see phobias page 35) in which a phobic reaction can occur at even the thought of being in a social situation. This can escalate into chronic, excessive fear that is deeply distressing to the individual – especially as they are aware at a rational level that the very thing that is making them anxious is harmless. To be diagnosed as a social phobic you must have had the problem for at least six months and the phobia must interfere with your life.

Men and women can suffer equally from social anxiety. In the US, it is estimated there are around 5.3 million sufferers.