Social Phobia

A disorder that is characterized by a persistent, irrational fear of and compelling desire to avoid situations in which the individual may be exposed to scrutiny by others coupled with the fear that they may behave in a manner that is embarrassing or humiliating. The marked anxiety the individual feels is a significant source of distress and is recognized by the individual as unreasonable or excessive. Examples of social phobias are fears of speaking or performing in public, using public lavatories, eating in public and writing in the presence of others.