What's The Difference Between Social Phobia and Social Anxiety Disorder?

The difference between social phobia and social anxiety disorder (SAD) is largely chronological, in that social phobia is the former term and SAD is the current term for the disorder. However, there are differences in the symptoms used to diagnose the two conditions.

The official psychiatric diagnosis of social phobia was introduced in the third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-III). Social phobia was at that time described as a fear of performance situations and did not include fears of less formal situations such as casual conversations or meeting people for the first time.

When Did Social Phobia Become Social Anxiety Disorder?

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) is a tool healthcare providers use to determine whether a person meets the criteria for different mental illnesses, helping them to make accurate diagnoses.

The DSM-III referred to this mental disorder as social phobia and was very narrow in its scope of diagnosis.

Changes in the DSM-IV

When the DSM-IV was published in 1994, the term social phobia was replaced by social anxiety disorder. The new term was introduced to describe the broad and generalized nature of the fears that are a part of this disorder.

The criteria were also changed to reflect the latest research on this topic. 

• In past editions of the DSM, social phobia was diagnosed if an individual felt extreme discomfort or fear when performing in front of others.
• In the DSM-IV, social anxiety disorder could be diagnosed if an individual feared a variety of different social situations.

For example, a fear of conversation with strangers at a dinner party wouldn't have been considered social phobia; however, under the DSM-IV, this fear would fit the criteria for social anxiety disorder. 

Changes in the DSM-5

The 2013 publication of the DSM-5 saw further changes to the diagnostic criteria for social anxiety disorder. The DSM-5 specifies that social situations almost always provoke anxiety and fear. The DSM-5 no longer requires that the individual recognize that their fear is excessive or unreasonable, but does note that the fear must be out of proportion to the actual threat posed by the situation. 

The DSM-5 diagnostic criteria also require ruling out other mental disorders such as panic disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, or autism spectrum disorder. It also includes a specifier for anxiety that occurs only in the context of performing or speaking in public.

How Common Is Social Anxiety Disorder

While you may feel very alone if you have social anxiety disorder, more than 15 million Americans are affected.

Women are more likely to be diagnosed with the disorder than men.

How Is Social Anxiety Treated?

Social anxiety disorder is treated with therapy, medication, or a combination of the two.

• Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is one type of treatment that teaches you a new way of thinking and processing information.
• Medication can minimize feelings of anxiety, allowing you to take a step back from your anxious thoughts. Often, therapy and medication are used in combination to minimize your anxiety so that you can handle social situations more easily. 

While social anxiety can be distressing and limit your activities, seeking treatment can make a substantial positive impact on your life.

If you have had symptoms of social anxiety disorder, consult with your physician for help in finding a good therapist. Or you can search online therapist directories and find therapists who list experience in treating anxiety disorders. Through therapy sessions and continual work to manage your symptoms, you will notice a substantial difference in the way that you are feeling.