Social Anxiety, Social Phobia, Shyness, Introversion – The Difference

yes they are it is good that he is a good person that he is explaining the hell of having socila phobia hellis a part of the disorder its much worse having this you struggle with every aspect og your thinking and sanity when you meet people who think they might judge you badly or say ohh your ugly or get left out from being kissed or whatever i know the pain of life and wanting to hurt people you freak out big time and you think your facts are wrong but right

Damn, I have to go to work, don't you just love when work interups life as we would like it?? NOT! Will be back for another look at your video when I get time… after you know what has sucked 8 hours out of me.

I don't agree; if you tell someone that you have Social Phobia they don't take it as serious(most people I have met believe it's a silly expression for shyness). However, when you tell people that you have Social Anxiety Disorder they are more sensitive to your condition(because it sounds more serious).

Agree 100% with the introversion/extroversion commentary.

I don't agree; if you tell someone that you have Social Phobia they don't take it as serious(most people I have met believe it's a silly expression for shyness). However, when you tell people that you have Social Anxiety Disorder they are more sensitive to your condition(because it sounds more serious).

Agree 100% with the introversion/extroversion commentary.

@hascott30 I'm happy to answer the occasional brief question around the subject of social anxiety, just send me a message on YouTube. Quite specific questions are best rather than more general ones as the general questions often require a longer answer than I have time to provide. It can take me a long time to reply sometimes, so keep that in mind.

Is there any way you can speak to me? E-mail would be easiest, hascott30@yahoo.com.

@socialanxietyvideo I think when I wrote the comment I wanted to think that there wasn't really any problem at all. I realise now there is, and one that can be fixed.

@qwertys44 Labels such as 'Social Anxiety Disorder' help focus 'treatment', research and community, but have their drawbacks too. Often it is best to explain to others that you lack confidence or get very anxious around people, but sometimes using a label such as S.A.D. can help when you need someone to take a extent of your difficulties more seriously. Essentially it is just a lack of confidence in social situations but the vicious cycles people get caught up in can end up consuming their life.

I am sure that I fit the criteria to be diagnosed with SAD, but everyone just says that I am shy or lack confidence. In some situations speaking at all can be excruciating, and usually I avoid any interaction with people where I can. These videos have been very useful to me, but if I said I have social anxiety disorder to anyone it would seem a much bigger deal than saying I lack confidence. Dispite the significant effect on my life isn't SAD just simply a lack of self-confidence in socialising?

Thanks for clearing that up

It's difficult to say. I'm not sure of the research into this. It does seem though that the questionnaires that measure introversion don't adequately separate it from social anxiety so you end up picking up a lot of social anxiety on introversion tests IMO. It's probably difficult to tell how introverted someone with SA is while their still suffering with it. There has been research recommending merging SP/SAD with AvPD, we shall have to wait until May 2013 as that's when DSM-V is published.

very helpful video!

i was fine untill high school, the criticism, and me being unable to gain acceptance from the environment, too many teachers and friends to please, desire to fit in and not be alienated from a social system, the maintainance of being in a heirachy of trend, the basic overload of shit that a kid has to put up with instilled a tremendous amount of anxiety into me. some people should not go to public school its too harsh for their sensitive nature.

i am very glad that you made this video…i was going to get around to asking your opinion on this matter sooner or later. i think shyness, as you say, is a very fuzzy term. i also believe it is old, outdated . i think it is a term that was invented by individuals that did not understand the full extent of social anxiety, or even that people experience such things as "social anxiety". as you mentioned, the term "social anxiety" is new. it is also widely misunderstood. much appreciated vid!

Well, if it is, then it's because of people like me who have given up on trying to make friends.

I have wanted to for years, but I haven't been able to since my SAD started in the 7th grade over 3 years ago.

However, I am still extroverted as I want people to hang out with, but I've given up. So… not sure if this helps your comment any but to each his own.

i have extreme shyness.. but only around certain people. especially family. i havent met half of them because of my shyness etc… i hate going to family functions. it scares me so bad. i think i would call myself a social anxiety sufferer but like.. i dont run out of the room or anything like that. but i feel a need to and i feel really sick to my stomach and my legs start shaking and i go in the bathroom to cry etc.. so yh i dunno i do avoid people but not as much as before.

As it is now they also distinguish between specific and general SAD…

Don't you think that there is a lot more introverted individuals with SA than extroverted? I would guess it is like 85/15 % introverted, what do you think?

I remember reading a rapport a couple of years ago, saying that there have been a lot of talk about joining SAD and AvPD in the next DSM, do you know if they have decided to go through with this idea?

good video

You have been a great help to people and me also!.Much thanks,ken

These videos are awesome. Please keep on.