Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) : Ashmita

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)

By Ashmita | Jan 2026

They were not shy but were afraid of being perceived.

They were not introverted but were scared to mess up.

They were not anti-social but feared being judged.

They had social anxiety.

Social Anxiety Disorder is often misunderstood.

It is not something that can be cured by just being confident or being passed by sheer willpower. Neither is it the lack of social skills, being shy or introvert nor are they weak, impaired or broken.

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), also known as social phobia or social anxiety, is characterised by an intense, persistent fear of being watched, judged, embarrassed, or rejected in social or performance situations. This fear can often lead to significant avoidance behavior that can affect life, work, school, and relationships.

Studies identify it as the hypereactivity or hypersensitivity of the amygdala, an almond-shaped structure deep inside our brain, that makes social cues appear as critical or genuine threats.

Our brain communicates via chemicals called neurotransmitters. In SAD, several key systems like serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid, when in low concentration or flowing less efficiently, further add to it.

Genetics, negative social experiences, and environment often act as reinforcing cues.

Social anxiety disorder does not disappear in a day. It requires time, patience, therapy, and the proper tools.

The most effective and widely accepted approach is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). It focuses on identifying and restructuring maladaptive thoughts related to negative evaluation and gradual exposure to feared social interactions or situations.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), with its psychologically flexible approach, along with pharmaceutical treatments when required, has also shown effectiveness in managing social anxiety disorder.