$Unique_ID{BRK00890}
$Pretitle{Mental and Emotional Conditions}
$Title{What Can be Done for Social Phobia?}
$Subject{social phobia fears treatment}
$Volume{E-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Can be Done for Social Phobia?


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QUESTION:  My sister presents me with a problem that I don't know how to deal
with.  Though she is a pretty young women, she becomes terribly embarrassed
when in the company of others.  She refuses to go out for a meal with us, and
even when at family functions, just cannot use the rest rooms.  She knows that
this is strange, but can't help herself.  What can I do to get her to be more
sociable?

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ANSWER:  I doubt that there is much you can do, for from the symptoms you have
described in your lengthy letter, it is apparent to me that you sister needs
professional help and guidance.  I believe your sister suffers from a
condition known as Social Phobia, a type of anxiety syndrome that may affect
as many as 2% of the population.  These individuals have a fear of scrutiny in
social situations, which provokes an embarrassment that is severe enough to
make ordinary social situations unbearable.  They refrain from most social
involvement, which can cause serious problems in their private life as well as
on the worksite.  They are also anguished by simple things such as writing or
eating in public, and the fear of using otherwise occupied rest rooms is
fairly common in these patients.  They generally realize that they have a
problem, but once again suffer great embarrassment about it and find it very
difficult to seek aid.  That is where you come in, for your understanding of
the situation may be just the bridge that is necessary for her to cross over
into a treatment program.  Sometimes calculated exposure to an environment
that causes the anxiety and fear can help overcome the problem.  In some cases
medication may be of some help, but therapy for this condition is complex and
must be adjusted to each individual's circumstances and condition.  Your
sister needs professional help, a physician who understands and treats this
disorder.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
