And where’s the line between anxiety and fear?
However, there are differences in the symptoms used to diagnose the two conditions.
When Did Social Phobia Become Social Anxiety Disorder?
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The DSM-III referred to this mental disorder as social phobia and was very narrow in its scope of diagnosis.
The criteria were also changed to reflect the latest research on this topic.
The DSM-5 specifies that social situations almost always provoke anxiety and fear.
It also includes a specifier for anxiety that occurs only in the context of performing or speaking in public.
Women are more likely to be diagnosed with the disorder than men.
To be diagnosed with SAD…
How Is Social Anxiety Treated?
Social anxiety disorder is treated withtherapy, medication, or a combination of the two.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
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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.2011.03.006
