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Anxiety

Social anxiety disorder (social phobia)

An intense fear of being observed, evaluated, or ridiculed in social situations, leading to avoidance or great discomfort.

Common signs

Fear of speaking in public or with strangersBlushing, trembling or sweating in front of othersAvoids meetings, phone calls or eating in public

Tips

For you

  1. Cut down on safety behaviours (looking at your phone, not speaking)
  2. Gradually expose yourself to feared situations
  3. Focus your attention outwards, on the conversation

For family and friends

  1. Invite them without pressure and appreciate that they try
  2. Don't speak for them in social situations

When to ask for help

  1. If you give up studies, work or relationships out of fear
  2. If you use alcohol to cope with social situations

Guidance test

Answer thinking about the last few weeks. There are 8 questions and you get your result straight away. Your answers are not saved or sent.

0 of 8
1. I'm very afraid of embarrassing myself in front of others
2. I avoid speaking in public or in a group
3. I blush, sweat or tremble in front of others
4. After a conversation I keep going over what I said
5. I avoid phone calls or talking to strangers
6. I find it hard to eat or write if people are watching
7. Before a social event I feel very anxious
8. I have let opportunities go for fear of looking bad
Also take the full social anxiety test →

Free resources

Downloadable PDF sheetSigns, tips and resources to print or saveFull article: Social phobiaFree resource from Clínica VivaldiFree guide: AnxietyFree resource from Clínica Vivaldi

Related disorders

Separation anxiety disorderAnxietySelective mutismAnxietySpecific phobiaAnxietyPanic disorderAnxiety

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Reviewed by María Teresa Fernández Vicente, health psychologist and neuropsychologist (registration no. CV17304), in November 2026. Educational information prepared by the Clínica Vivaldi team based on the DSM-5-TR classification. It does not replace a professional assessment and cannot be used to diagnose.