Social Anxiety, Social Phobia, Shyness, Introversion - The Difference

I briefly explain the difference between the different terms common used in association with social anxiety. These include Social Anxiety, Social Phobia, Social Anxiety Disorder, Avoidant Personality Disorder, Shyness and Introversion

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• The Difference Between
• Social Anxiety
• Social Phobia
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Avoidant Personality Disorder
• Shyness
• Introversion

[hascott30]

Is there any way you can speak to me? E-mail would be easiest, hascott30@yahoo.com.

[socialanxietyvideo]

@hascott30 I'm happy to answer the occasional brief question around the subject of social anxiety, just send me a message on YouTube. Quite specific questions are best rather than more general ones as the general questions often require a longer answer than I have time to provide. It can take me a long time to reply sometimes, so keep that in mind.

[qwertys44]

I am sure that I fit the criteria to be diagnosed with SAD, but everyone just says that I am shy or lack confidence. In some situations speaking at all can be excruciating, and usually I avoid any interaction with people where I can. These videos have been very useful to me, but if I said I have social anxiety disorder to anyone it would seem a much bigger deal than saying I lack confidence. Dispite the significant effect on my life isn't SAD just simply a lack of self-confidence in socialising?

[socialanxietyvideo]

@qwertys44 Labels such as 'Social Anxiety Disorder' help focus 'treatment', research and community, but have their drawbacks too. Often it is best to explain to others that you lack confidence or get very anxious around people, but sometimes using a label such as S.A.D. can help when you need someone to take a extent of your difficulties more seriously. Essentially it is just a lack of confidence in social situations but the vicious cycles people get caught up in can end up consuming their life.

[BluesyMagus]

As it is now they also distinguish between specific and general SAD...

Don't you think that there is a lot more introverted individuals with SA than extroverted? I would guess it is like 85/15 % introverted, what do you think?

I remember reading a rapport a couple of years ago, saying that there have been a lot of talk about joining SAD and AvPD in the next DSM, do you know if they have decided to go through with this idea?

good video

[socialanxietyvideo]

It's difficult to say. I'm not sure of the research into this. It does seem though that the questionnaires that measure introversion don't adequately separate it from social anxiety so you end up picking up a lot of social anxiety on introversion tests IMO. It's probably difficult to tell how introverted someone with SA is while their still suffering with it. There has been research recommending merging SP/SAD with AvPD, we shall have to wait until May 2013 as that's when DSM-V is published.

[sorryarnold]

I don't agree; if you tell someone that you have Social Phobia they don't take it as serious(most people I have met believe it's a silly expression for shyness). However, when you tell people that you have Social Anxiety Disorder they are more sensitive to your condition(because it sounds more serious).

Agree 100% with the introversion/extroversion commentary.

[FoxHound212]

These videos are awesome. Please keep on.

[marc09676]

yes they are it is good that he is a good person that he is explaining the hell of having socila phobia hellis a part of the disorder its much worse having this you struggle with every aspect og your thinking and sanity when you meet people who think they might judge you badly or say ohh your ugly or get left out from being kissed or whatever i know the pain of life and wanting to hurt people you freak out big time and you think your facts are wrong but right

[IncelTreatment]

Damn, I have to go to work, don't you just love when work interups life as we would like it?? NOT! Will be back for another look at your video when I get time... after you know what has sucked 8 hours out of me.

[qwertys44]

@socialanxietyvideo I think when I wrote the comment I wanted to think that there wasn't really any problem at all. I realise now there is, and one that can be fixed.