Probability of Having Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) affects approximately 7.1% of the US adult population (about 15 million people) in any given year, with a lifetime prevalence of about 12%. It is the second most common anxiety disorder after specific phobias and typically begins in the early to mid-teens.

SAD goes far beyond normal shyness. People with the disorder experience intense, persistent fear of being watched, judged, or humiliated in social situations. This can severely impair work performance, academic achievement, and relationships. About 36% of people with SAD report symptoms for 10 or more years before seeking help.

SAD commonly co-occurs with depression, other anxiety disorders, and alcohol use disorder (many people with SAD use alcohol to self-medicate). Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective treatment, with response rates of about 50-65%. Medications including SSRIs, SNRIs, and in some cases, beta-blockers for performance-specific situations are also effective. Exposure therapy, a component of CBT, gradually helps people confront feared social situations.