Is this social anxiety disorder?

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-10-2004
Is this social anxiety disorder?
1
Tue, 08-09-2005 - 12:48am

Until my first consultation, I've been reading up and I thought I had social anxiety disorder but now I'm not sure. The 'official' symptoms I find are:

1. An extreme fear of a situation in which you have to meet new people or you may be scrutinized by others.
2. The feared social situations are experienced with intense anxiety or avoided entirely.
3. The anxiety-provoking social situation causes physical symptoms like blushing, sweating, shaking, trembling, tense muscles, shaky voice, dry mouth or a pounding heart.

But that's not really me. I don't like meeting new people but I'm able to go through the motions just fine. I don't have those physical symptoms either except for the pounding heart (which is rare).

I just don't like being around people too much. I prefer small groups and open spaces. Lots of noise makes me on edge (like in parties, or rowdiness). I can go to public places like the mall, but after an hour or two I just feel really restless until I leave. I feel anxious when I leave my house but I can still go through my normal activities. I feel relief when I'm home again.

Any ideas? It's baffling me!
Soledad

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Tue, 08-09-2005 - 8:50am

It's good to hear that you're having a consultation. Getting a professional opinion is the way to go. None of us can diagnose your condition, as we haven't the qualifications.


It is possible that being in small groups or open places is just *you.* Even without anxiety, I don't like to shop & 2 hours in a mall would be well past my limit. You need to decide what is troubling you about your life. What behaviors you have that you think need *fixed.* For now, you didn't share anything that indicates an anxiety disorder. When you feel up to it, maybe you'd like to share more. Good luck! jan