Download FREE Practo app
Get ₹200 HealthCash
Social Anxiety
Hello Doctor,
I have had anxiety since high school, and it has gradually worsened. I experience a fast heartbeat, hand tremors, stomach discomfort, and my mind goes blank during conversations.
This happens around classmates, my roommate, girls, confident people, presentations, and interviews. I also become anxious before my roommate arrives. I avoid social situations, including walking on streets where I might meet neighbours or people I know. Sometimes I take a vehicle even to a nearby shop to avoid talking to them.
I don't have these symptoms when I'm alone or with close family and friends.
Could this be Social Anxiety Disorder? What can I do to overcome this? Would CBT or medication be appropriate? Thank you
Answers (11)
Get your queries answered instantly with Care AI FREE
20000+ health queries resolved in last month
Hi
Next Steps
psychotherapy session
Health Tips
talk
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Didn't find the answer you are looking for?
Talk to experienced psychiatrist online and get your health questions answered in just 5 minutes.
+154
"Hi there, I understand that seeking help can feel overwhelming, but you’ve already taken the first brave step. I can guide you with a clear treatment plan tailored just for you, so you can feel better and regain control over your life. You can reach me directly on WhatsApp for quick support on seven zero eight two zero two two zero six two."
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Hi, thank you for sharing this. Based on what you’ve described, your symptoms are consistent with Social Anxiety Disorder, but a proper assessment by a mental health professional is needed to confirm the diagnosis.
The good news is that social anxiety is highly treatable. CBT is one of the most effective treatments, helping you identify anxious thoughts and gradually face feared social situations through structured exposure. Medication may also be helpful if your symptoms are severe or significantly affecting your daily life, and a psychiatrist can guide that decision.
A small first step is to stop avoiding every situation. Start with one low-anxiety social interaction each day and stay in it until your anxiety begins to reduce instead of escaping.
Take therapy. You can connect with me on nine two six six seven two six zero six five.
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
This describes a fast heartbeat, hand tremors, stomach issues, and going blank around peers and presentations. These symptoms heavily align with Social Anxiety Disorder and panic-like reactions.
Next Steps
You can consult Dr. Rupali Mohbe, a licensed clinical psychologist. Book an online or offline session based on your comfort via the official website, BIRDYME.Clinic Address: 208, CENTRAL, Sangath IPL, Motera, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Health Tips
When your mind goes blank, look around and spot 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, and 3 you can hear. This grounds you instantly.
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Hi. Yes. This is social anxiety. Therapy and medicines can help. Consult online for treatment. Alternatively you can search Google for dr. Shailaja Bandla , Psychiatrist for contact information
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Mrinal Gautam
Psychiatrist
3 yrs exp
Kolhapur
To answer your diagnostic question directly: Yes, your symptoms align classicly with Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) / Social Phobia.
What you are describing—a long-standing fear of negative evaluation that triggers severe autonomic arousal (fast heartbeat, tremors, GI distress, cognitive "freezing" or mind going blank) around peers, authority figures, or during performance situations—is the clinical hallmark of social anxiety. The fact that these symptoms vanish when you are alone or with trusted family/friends further confirms that this is driven by social threat evaluation, rather than a generalized anxiety or physical medical condition.
Regarding treatment: Both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and pharmacotherapy are evidence-based, highly effective first-line interventions for Social Anxiety Disorder, and using them together often yields the best outcomes.
Next Steps
Consult a Psychiatrist for Comprehensive Clinical Assessment: Schedule an evaluation with a psychiatrist to confirm the diagnosis and discuss medical management options:
SSRIs / SNRIs (First-Line Daily Medication): Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (such as Escitalopram, Sertraline, or Paroxetine) help regulate serotonin signaling, lowering overall baseline anxiety and autonomic reactivity over time.
Beta-Blockers (Performance Support): Short-acting beta-blockers (like Propranolol) taken on an "as-needed" basis before high-stress social events (interviews, presentations) block peripheral adrenaline, preventing tremors, racing heart, and sweating.
Initiate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Work with a licensed clinical psychologist on CBT tailored for social anxiety. Therapy focuses on:
Cognitive Restructuring: Identifying and challenging automatic catastrophic thoughts (e.g., "I will embarrass myself" or "They will judge me").
Graded Exposure Therapy: Gradually and safely placing yourself in social situations to retrain your brain's threat response and break the cycle of avoidance.
Rule Out Physical Co-factors: Ask your doctor to check basic laboratory parameters (such as thyroid function tests and Vitamin B12 levels) to ensure no underlying physical issues are compounding your physical anxiety symptoms.
You can book a session with me
Health Tips
Avoidance is the engine that keeps social anxiety alive. Taking a vehicle to avoid walking past neighbors or skipping events provides immediate short-term relief, but it signals to your brain that the social situation was genuinely dangerous, reinforcing the anxiety response for the future.
Practice "Grounding" During Mind-Blanking Moments: When your mind goes blank in conversations, focus on physical grounding: press your feet firmly onto the floor, focus on the sensation of air entering your nostrils, and allow yourself a 3-second pause to breathe out before speaking.
Set Small, Daily Exposure Goals: Start with micro-steps—such as making eye contact and saying a brief "hello" to one shopkeeper or neighbor each day—to build confidence before tackling larger social settings.
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Ms. Ruhi Jain
Psychologist
2 yrs exp
New Delhi
Here’s a concise and professional version:
CBT is highly effective in helping individuals manage social anxiety by addressing unhelpful thought patterns and gradually building confidence in social situations. Consulting a psychiatrist is also recommended, as they can provide a comprehensive evaluation and, if needed, medication alongside therapy for better outcomes.
– Ruhi Jain, Psychologist
Health Tips
Start with small, manageable social interactions instead of avoiding them. Practice diaphragmatic breathing (inhale for 4 seconds, exhale for 6 seconds) for 5–10 minutes daily and before anxiety-provoking situations. You can also maintain an anxiety journal to note your anxious thoughts, the evidence for and against them, and a more balanced perspective. These strategies can complement CBT and help reduce anxiety over time.
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Mr. John Zachariah
Psychologist
16 yrs exp
Ernakulam
Consult psychotherapist
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Indraja Sharma
Neuropsychiatrist
7 yrs exp
Kota
Based on your description, Social Anxiety Disorder is a strong possibility, but a proper psychiatric evaluation is needed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. Since your symptoms have persisted for years and are significantly affecting your daily life, CBT is the first-line treatment, and medication (such as an SSRI) may also be beneficial depending on the severity. With the right treatment, most people experience significant improvement. Please consult a psychiatrist to discuss the best treatment plan for you.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Sunil Nagar
General Physician
18 yrs exp
Rewa
Yes, this is a Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)
Next Steps
CBT and SSRIs are the main treatments.
Health Tips
kindly connect
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Archana Agarwal
Psychiatrist
1 yrs exp
Bikaner
Thank you for reaching out and for sharing your concerns. It takes courage to seek help. Based on what you've described, your symptoms need a detailed evaluation. And yes there is possibility of social Anxiety disorder. The good news is that these concerns are often treatable with the right approach, which may include therapy, lifestyle changes, and medication if required.
I would recommend a comprehensive psychiatric assessment rather than self-diagnosis. If you'd like to discuss your symptoms in detail and receive a personalized treatment plan, you can book an online consultation through link.
https://topmate.io/drarchana_agarwal/
Wishing you good health and recovery.
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Articles you may like
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
The question asked on this page is a free question. You can ask a free health question by downloading the Practo app.
Articles you may like
Tell us what's troubling you
Tell us what's troubling you
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.