Social Anxiety Disorder Survey Reveals Severity of Impact of Widespread Disorder

A recently published on-line survey commissioned by the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA) provides up-close and personal insight into the severe effects of social anxiety disorder. 

The survey conducted by Harris Interactive focuses on romantic and personal relationships, feelings of isolation and shame surrounding this disorder, and the positive benefits of treatment.  The survey also draws attention to the delay in obtaining treatment for this disorder and/or not seeking treatment at all: 36% report experiencing symptoms for a decade or more before seeking help; and, another 15% are not currently treating their condition.  These findings are troubling for the ADAA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public of all anxiety disorders and supporting treatment effectiveness for disorder management and cure.

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) affects 15 million Americans and is the second most widespread of all anxiety disorders (after specific phobias). SAD, also known as social phobia, is characterized by intense and overwhelming anxiety in social or performance situations causing extreme distress resulting in an impaired ability to function.  In social situations there is excessive self-consciousness and an intense fear of being scrutinized negatively.  Those suffering from SAD dread they will embarrass or humiliate themselves and this often causes avoidances of such situations altogether.

The physical symptoms of SAD include blushing, sweating, trembling, nausea, rapid heart rate, dizziness and/or fainting, stammering, headaches and fear that their throat will close up.  The resulting effects of anxiety and physical manifestations of anxiety interfere significantly with daily routine, work and work environments, and social activities.  SAD makes it difficult to create and maintain romantic partnerships and friendships.[1]

"Social phobia is a devastating disorder that has a profound effect on social interactions that most people take for granted," said ADAA President and CEO Jerilyn Ross, MA, LICSW.  "In extreme cases, the disorder can disrupt their social lives to the point that people may have no relationships at all, making them feel powerless and alone."[2]

When left untreated, 77% surveyed said their disorder had a negative impact on romantic relationships with 35% reporting an avoidance of intimacy.  Thirty-four percent shared their SAD led to serious fights with their partners and 24% felt the disorder caused their partner to not respect them. 

According to experts, these numbers are perhaps reflective of the difficulty in discussing SAD with partners: this then leads to misunderstanding the severity of symptoms which in turn cause a breakdown of trust.  Although the social situations wished to be avoided by those suffering from SAD may seem non-threatening to those without this disorder, this can be annoying and irritating to a partner (i.e. increase in arguments).