A patient speaks about her experiences with social anxiety disorder

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"I feel like I've always had social anxiety disorder, ever since I was a kid. I would avoid speaking out in class. In fact, I didn't go to college because I was afraid of giving speeches or even reading in front of others. I wasn't even sure what I was afraid of but I didn't want to make a fool out of myself. As an adult I was afraid of going any place new, even places like going into a new bank. I would avoid parties and social events where I didn't know people well, and small talk was very hard for me. I felt like I was the only one like this."

"My husband read an advertisement in the newspaper for a drug study on it. He said this describes you exactly and said I should call. That was ten years ago. The medication in the study was very helpful, but had side effects, including constipation which I couldn't tolerate. When the study ended they suggested I seek further treatment. I've been taking an SSRI since that time. A couple of times in the past I felt "I'm fine now, I¹m okay," and I've gone off the drug. Very quickly the blushing came back and I felt scared again. The medication really does do something. "

"My employer offered me a new job and if I were not taking the medication I'm sure I would have refused it. Even on the medication I was scared and couldn't picture myself doing the job. Now I coordinate national conferences, which involves working with many new individuals and also traveling. Attending social events with new people still makes me nervous and small talk is still difficult....but my life isn't as limited. I've come a long way in ten years. Life is much easier and I'm happier."

Karen B. (April 2000)