Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a very common phenomena. It affects approximately 13-14% of all people in the world. Typically, a person with SAD has an excessive and unreasonable fear of social situations.A person with SAD is essentially afraid that he or she will make mistakes and be embarrassed or humiliated in front of others. The anxiety can build into a panic attack. As a result of the fear, the person endures certain social situations in extreme distress or may avoid them altogether. In addition, people with social anxiety disorder often suffer "anticipatory" anxiety - the fear of a situation before it even happens - for days or weeks before the event. In many cases, the person is aware that the fear is unreasonable, yet is unable to overcome it.
People with social anxiety disorder may be afraid of a specific situation, such as speaking in public. However, most people with social anxiety disorder fear more than one social situation. Other situations that commonly provoke anxiety include:
Writing or working in front of others.
Being the center of attention.
Interacting with people, including dating or going to parties.
Asking questions or giving reports in groups.
Using public toilets.
Talking on the telephone
Many people with social anxiety disorder feel that there is "something wrong," but don't recognize their feeling as a sign of illness. Symptoms of social anxiety disorder can include: intense anxiety in social situations, avoidance of social situations, physical symptoms of anxiety, including confusion, pounding heart, sweating, shaking, blushing, muscle tension, and an upset stomach.
The Study
The study undertaken by neuroscientists in the department of Psychiatry and Mental Health at the University of Cape Town, aims to understand the brain mechanisms involved in social anxiety. This is achieved through interviews and MRI brain-scans.
Contact Us
If you live in the Western Cape, are between 18 and 30 years of age and would like to participate, please contact us:
coenie.hattingh@uct.ac.za
(021) 404 5482
