Social Anxiety Disorder About one out of eight adults in the United States has experienced social anxiety disorder at some point in his or her life (Kessler & others, 2005a). Social anxiety disorder is far more debilitating than everyday shyness. People with social anxiety disorder are intensely fearful of being watched or judged by others. Even ordinary activities, such as eating lunch in a public café, can cause unbearable anxiety.
Hemis/Alamy