They also fear calling attention to themselves in social situations and tend to have greatly exaggerated fears about what others are thinking about them. They are paralyzed with fear about any social situation. This anxiety may take the form of a panic attack. Self-recognition that the fear is excessive or unreasonable. Avoiding the feared social or performance situations or enduring them with intense anxiety.
Social phobia is common .
Thirteen percent of people in the US will experience social phobia in their lifetimes. FYI Women experience social phobia twice as often as men do. Social phobia can begin as early as age 15 years, but usually becomes apparent during a woman's early 20s. Women may also experience criticism or humiliation because of their shyness, and that can worsen anxiety about social situations. They also may learn to be uncomfortable in social relationships or situations because their parent is.