Close

The difference between social phobia andsocial anxiety disorder (SAD)is largely chronological, in that social phobia is the former term and SAD is the current term for the disorder. However, there are differences in the symptoms used to diagnose the two conditions.

The official psychiatric diagnosis of social phobia was introduced in the third edition of theDiagnostic and Statistical Manual(DSM-III). Social phobia was at that time described as a fear of performance situations and did not include fears of less formal situations such as casual conversations or meeting people for the first time.

When Did Social Phobia Become Social Anxiety Disorder?

TheDiagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM)is a tool healthcare providers use to determine whether a person meets the criteria for different mental illnesses, helping them to make accurate diagnoses.

The DSM-III referred to this mental disorder as social phobia and was very narrow in its scope of diagnosis.

Changes in the DSM-IV

The criteria were also changed to reflect the latest research on this topic.

For example, afear of conversation with strangers at a dinner partywouldn’t have been considered social phobia; however, under the DSM-IV, this fear would fit the criteria for social anxiety disorder.

Changes in the DSM-5

The DSM-5 diagnostic criteria also require ruling out other mental disorders such aspanic disorder,body dysmorphic disorder, or autism spectrum disorder. It also includes a specifier for anxiety that occurs only in the context of performing or speaking in public.

Social Anxiety Disorder

How Common Is Social Anxiety Disorder

While you may feel very alone if you have social anxiety disorder, more than 15 million Americans are affected.

Women are more likely to be diagnosed with the disorder than men.

Diagnostic Criteria for Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety disorder goes beyond nervousness or feeling socially awkward; it can be debilitating, harm relationships with loved ones, and hurt your career.

To be diagnosed with SAD…

Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder

How Is Social Anxiety Treated?

Social anxiety disorder is treated withtherapy, medication, or a combination of the two.

While social anxiety can be distressing and limit your activities, seeking treatment can make a substantial positive impact on your life.

If you have had symptoms of social anxiety disorder, consult with your physician for help in finding a good therapist. Or you can search online therapist directories and find therapists who list experience in treating anxiety disorders. Through therapy sessions and continual work to manage your symptoms, you will notice a substantial difference in the way that you are feeling.

If you or a loved one are struggling with social anxiety disorder, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you or a loved one are struggling with social anxiety disorder, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

The Best Online Therapy ProgramsWe’ve tried, tested and written unbiased reviews of the best online therapy programs including Talkspace, Betterhelp, and Regain.

4 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.DSM-5 changes: implications for child serious emotional disturbance[Internet]. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US): Table 16, DSM-IV to DSM-5 Social Phobia/Social Anxiety Disorder Comparison.Kuo JR, Goldin PR, Werner K, Heimberg RG, Gross JJ.Childhood trauma and current psychological functioning in adults with social anxiety disorder.J Anxiety Disord. 2011;25(4):467-73.  doi:10.1016/j.janxdis.2010.11.011National Institutes of Health.Social anxiety disorder.American Psychological Association.How do I find a good therapist?.Additional ReadingMcLean CP, Asnaani A, Litz BT, Hofmann SG. GenderDifferences in anxiety disorders: prevalence, course of Illness, comorbidity, and burden of illness.J Psychiatr Res. 2011;45(8):1027-1035. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2011.03.006American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-II). 1980.American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). 1994.American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V). 2013.

4 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.DSM-5 changes: implications for child serious emotional disturbance[Internet]. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US): Table 16, DSM-IV to DSM-5 Social Phobia/Social Anxiety Disorder Comparison.Kuo JR, Goldin PR, Werner K, Heimberg RG, Gross JJ.Childhood trauma and current psychological functioning in adults with social anxiety disorder.J Anxiety Disord. 2011;25(4):467-73.  doi:10.1016/j.janxdis.2010.11.011National Institutes of Health.Social anxiety disorder.American Psychological Association.How do I find a good therapist?.Additional ReadingMcLean CP, Asnaani A, Litz BT, Hofmann SG. GenderDifferences in anxiety disorders: prevalence, course of Illness, comorbidity, and burden of illness.J Psychiatr Res. 2011;45(8):1027-1035. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2011.03.006American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-II). 1980.American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). 1994.American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V). 2013.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.DSM-5 changes: implications for child serious emotional disturbance[Internet]. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US): Table 16, DSM-IV to DSM-5 Social Phobia/Social Anxiety Disorder Comparison.Kuo JR, Goldin PR, Werner K, Heimberg RG, Gross JJ.Childhood trauma and current psychological functioning in adults with social anxiety disorder.J Anxiety Disord. 2011;25(4):467-73.  doi:10.1016/j.janxdis.2010.11.011National Institutes of Health.Social anxiety disorder.American Psychological Association.How do I find a good therapist?.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.DSM-5 changes: implications for child serious emotional disturbance[Internet]. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US): Table 16, DSM-IV to DSM-5 Social Phobia/Social Anxiety Disorder Comparison.

Kuo JR, Goldin PR, Werner K, Heimberg RG, Gross JJ.Childhood trauma and current psychological functioning in adults with social anxiety disorder.J Anxiety Disord. 2011;25(4):467-73.  doi:10.1016/j.janxdis.2010.11.011

National Institutes of Health.Social anxiety disorder.

American Psychological Association.How do I find a good therapist?.

McLean CP, Asnaani A, Litz BT, Hofmann SG. GenderDifferences in anxiety disorders: prevalence, course of Illness, comorbidity, and burden of illness.J Psychiatr Res. 2011;45(8):1027-1035. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2011.03.006American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-II). 1980.American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). 1994.American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V). 2013.

McLean CP, Asnaani A, Litz BT, Hofmann SG. GenderDifferences in anxiety disorders: prevalence, course of Illness, comorbidity, and burden of illness.J Psychiatr Res. 2011;45(8):1027-1035. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2011.03.006

Meet Our Review Board

Share Feedback

Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?HelpfulReport an ErrorOtherSubmit

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

What is your feedback?HelpfulReport an ErrorOtherSubmit

What is your feedback?