You may be afraid to be with people other than those closest to you. Sometimes social phobia involves a general fear of social situations such as parties. More rarely it may involve a fear of using public restrooms, eating out, talking on the phone, or writing in the presence of other people, such as signing a check. Although this disorder often is thought of as shyness, the two are not the same. Shy people can be very uneasy around others, but they don't experience the extreme anxiety in anticipating a social setting, and they don't necessarily avoid circumstances that make them feel self-conscious.
Social phobia disrupts normal life, interfering with careers and social relationships.
A common problem in patients with Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome is the presence of mood swings. These mood swings are particularly noticeable in the month from November through March. During this period of time many patients experience marked change in mood, particularly the onset of depression. In recent years research has been done on S.A.D. Studies have shown that patients experiencing S.A.D. show an abnormal rise in a brain chemical called melatonin. Increased levels of melatonin lead to depression.