Social Phobia Social phobia is the irrational fear and avoidance of being in a situation in which a person's activities could be watched by others. In a sense, it is a form of "performance anxiety", but a social phobia causes symptoms that go well beyond the normal nervousness before an on-stage appearance. The person suffering from a social phobia fears being watched or humiliated while doing something in front of others. As a result, he avoids any situation in which such activity may be required of him. The activity often is as mundane as signing a personal check, drinking water, buttoning a coat, or eating a meal. The most common social phobia is the fear of speaking in public, either in front of an audience or in front of a small group during a cocktail party. Social phobias occur equally among men and women, generally developing after puberty and peaking after the age of 30. A person can suffer from one or a cluster of social phobias. Compiled in association with the "Mental Health Association of Ireland" ------------------ These files may be accessed through the web at http://firstaid.ie.eu.org/ I would like to thank the IEASR for allowing me to convert their pages over to the Pilot. Mary Jo Sminkey maryjo@dogpatch.org http://www.dogpatch.org ------------------ DISCLAIMER: Information in these files is presented in order to impart general information relating to first aid of various injuries and conditions. Such information is not complete and should not be used as a substitute for a consultation or visit with your physician or other health care provider, or as a substiture for actual training in first aid and/or CPR. While all reasonable care has been taken in compiling this information, Mary Jo Sminkey and Irish Emergency Ambulance Services Resource (IEASR) make no warranty as to the information's completeness, reliability or accuracy. Access to and use of the information contained herein is entirely at the risk of the user, Mary Jo Sminkey and IEASR shall not be liable, directly or indirectly to the user or any third party for any damage resulting from the use of the information contained or implied in the Pilot First Aid files.