Social anxiety disorder (Social Phobia) self-test

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SELF-TEST

SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER

Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, affects about 15 million American adults. If you suspect that you might suffer from social anxiety disorder, complete the following self-test, print it out, and share the results with a health care professional.

Do I have social anxiety disorder?

Are you troubled by the following symptoms?

Yes No	An intense and persistent fear of a social situation in which people might judge you
Yes No	Fear that you will be humiliated by your actions
Yes No	Fear that people will notice that you are blushing, sweating, trembling, or showing other signs of anxiety
Yes No	Knowing that your fear is excessive or unreasonable

Does a feared situation cause you any of the following?

Yes No

Always feel anxious

Yes No

Experience a panic attack, during which you suddenly are overcome by intense fear or discomfort, including any of these symptoms:

Yes No	Pounding heart
Yes No	Sweating
Yes No	Trembling or shaking
Yes No	Shortness of breath
Yes No	Choking
Yes No	Chest pain
Yes No	Nausea or abdominal discomfort
Yes No	"Jelly" legs
Yes No	Dizziness
Yes No	Feelings of unreality or being detached from yourself
Yes No	Fear of losing control, "going crazy"
Yes No	Fear of dying
Yes No	Numbness or tingling sensations
Yes No	Chills or hot flashes

Yes No

Do you go to great lengths to avoid participating in the feared situation?

Yes No

Does all of this interfere with your daily life?

Having more than one illness at the same time can make it difficult to diagnose and treat the different conditions. Illnesses that sometimes complicate anxiety disorders include depression and substance abuse. With this in mind, please take a minute to answer these questions:

Yes No

Have you experienced changes in sleeping or eating habits?

More days than not, do you feel any of the following?

Yes No	Sad or depressed
Yes No	Disinterested in life
Yes No	Worthless or guilty

During the last year, has the use of alcohol or drugs...

Yes No	resulted in your failure to fulfill responsibilities with work, school, or family?
Yes No	placed you in a dangerous situation, such as driving a car under the influence?
Yes No	gotten you arrested?
Yes No	continued despite causing problems for you or your loved ones?

Reference:
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV). Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Association, 1994.

Get more information about social anxiety disorder.

Bookstore of Anxiety Disorders Association of America