I have started to develop this phobia where I am not able to interact with my colleagues. My hands start shaking and my heart pounds when I sit for lunch or tea with them. I have started being alone, avoiding people. This is like a phobia which is scaring me and getting me extremely low. I am not able to focus on anything. I have stopped caffeine and nicotine. Will this go away overtime? Can a doctor help me out?

Dr. Jagadeesan M.S.Psychiatrist13yrs exp

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Social Anxiety Disorder (social phobia) is the third largest mental health care problem in the world today. The latest government epidemiological data show social anxiety affects about 7% of the population at any given time Social anxiety is the fear of social situations that involve interaction with other people. You could say social anxiety is the fear and anxiety of being negatively judged and evaluated by other people.  It is a pervasive disorder and causes anxiety and fear in most all areas of a person's life.  It is chronic because it does not go away on its own. Anxiety reducing medications along with CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy), can change the brain, and help people overcome social anxiety. Consult a psychiatrist and get helped. All the best.  

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