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What is Social Anxiety Disorder?

By Arlin Cuncic, About.com

Updated: June 16, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Question: What is Social Anxiety Disorder?
Answer:

People with social anxiety disorder (SAD) have an excessive and persistent fear of social and performance situations. They realize that their fear is not proportional to the actual threat, but are unable to control their symptoms of anxiety. People with SAD are extremely sensitive to social situations where they believe they are being judged or evaluated. The symptoms of SAD may be physical, cognitive, or behavioral.

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