Fobia social

Abstract

Social phobia is a potentially impairing clinical condition defined by the presence of marked or persistent fear of social or performance situations in which the person is exposed to unfamiliar people or to possible scrutiny by others. The individual fears that he or she will act in a way (or show anxiety symptoms) that will be humiliating or embarrassing. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and the comorbidity with depression, alcohol and drugs abuse, and other anxiety disorders must be investigated. The choice treatment is the use of antidepressants or beta-blockers drugs in association to behavior therapy based in the gradual and systematic exposure to feared situations. Family and group psychotherapy can be particularly useful in selected cases. © Copyright Moreira Jr. Editora.