Social Anxiety Disorder: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Social Anxiety Disorder?
A psychiatrist, a doctor who treats mental health conditions, usually treats social anxiety disorder. So does a psychologist, an expert in talk therapy. A clinical social worker, a counselor trained in mental health care, may also help. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is social anxiety disorder?
Social anxiety disorder is a common type of anxiety disorder. A person with it feels anxiety or fear in situations where others may judge them. Examples are speaking in public, meeting new people, or answering a question in class. People may worry about a social event for weeks before it happens.
Social anxiety disorder is different from shyness. Shy people are able to take part in social events. Social anxiety disorder affects the ability to function in work and relationships. It usually starts during childhood or the teen years.
Symptoms
When they have to perform in front of others or be around them, people may:
- Blush, sweat, or tremble.
- Have a fast heartbeat.
- Find it hard to make eye contact or talk to people, even when they want to.
- Avoid places where other people are, or situations where they have to deal with others.
Children and teens may have similar symptoms. They may also try to avoid school or have trouble making friends. Some complain of stomachaches or headaches. Avoiding these situations may feel helpful for a short time. But the anxiety is likely to remain without treatment.
Causes and who gets it
Social anxiety disorder may run in families. But no one knows for sure why some family members have it and others do not. Researchers have found that several parts of the brain are involved in fear and anxiety. Genes affect how these brain areas work.
People with social phobia, another name for it, are at high risk for misusing alcohol or other substances.
How doctors diagnose it
To be diagnosed, a person must have strong fear about social situations where others might judge them. The feelings must last at least 6 months. They must also get in the way of daily life, such as work, school, or relationships. You can talk to a health care provider. This could be a primary care doctor or a mental health expert.
The provider may ask when your symptoms began and how long they have lasted. They may ask how often they happen. They may ask how they affect your life. The provider may do a physical exam to make sure a physical problem is not causing your symptoms.
Treatment
Treatment typically involves psychotherapy, which is also called talk therapy, medicine, or both. Finding the best treatment may take trial and error. It can take some time to work.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is commonly used. It is a type of talk therapy. It teaches different ways of thinking, acting, and reacting to situations, so a person feels less anxious. CBT has been well studied and is the "gold standard" choice for talk therapy. Exposure therapy is a CBT method where a person slowly faces the fears behind the anxiety. CBT in a group can also help.
Providers may prescribe medicine. Choices include antidepressants called SSRIs and SNRIs. Others are beta-blockers and anti-anxiety medicines called benzodiazepines. SSRIs and SNRIs may take several weeks to start working. Side effects can include headaches, nausea, or trouble sleeping. Beta-blockers can help control physical symptoms such as a fast heartbeat, sweating, and shaking. Benzodiazepines start working right away. But some people build up a tolerance to them. Some become dependent on them. So a provider may prescribe them only for brief periods. Do not stop taking antidepressant medicines without talking with your provider.
Enough sleep, exercise, and a healthy diet can help. But these habits cannot replace treatment.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if fear is affecting your work and relationships with others. If anxiety causes problems in everyday life, it is time to seek professional help. One example is avoiding social situations at school, at work, or with friends and family. If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline). In life-threatening situations, call 911.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can listen to your concerns, check for physical causes, and help with follow-up care. They can also refer you to a therapist or psychiatrist.
Common questions
Is social anxiety disorder the same as shyness?
No. Social anxiety disorder is different from shyness.
What causes social anxiety disorder?
No one knows for sure what causes it, but it may run in families. Genes affect how brain areas involved in fear and anxiety work. Researchers are also looking at the role of stress and a person's surroundings.
Can social anxiety disorder be treated?
Yes. Treatment typically involves talk therapy, medicine, or both. The outcome is often good with treatment.
Does avoiding social situations make social anxiety disorder go away?
No. Avoiding these situations may feel helpful for a short time. But the anxiety is likely to remain without treatment.
Can children and teens have social anxiety disorder?
Yes. Social anxiety disorder usually starts during childhood or the teen years.
Sources
- National Institute of Mental Health - Social Anxiety Disorder: What You Need to Know
- MedlinePlus - Social anxiety disorder
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
