(Social Phobia)

Social anxiety disorder – Definition

Social anxiety disorder is the intense fear of social situations. People with social anxiety disorder:

• Avoid interactions with other people
• Are extremely afraid of being judged negatively by others
• Feel humiliated, embarrassed, and inadequate more easily than others

Social anxiety may be:

• Generalized to all social interactions
• Specific to certain social situations, such as public speaking

Social anxiety disorder is much more severe than shyness. It can interfere with work, school, or other situations, as well as cause physical symptoms.

(Self-injury; Self-harm)

Self-mutilation – Definition

Self-mutilation or self-injury is any form of self-harm inflicted on your body without the intent to commit suicide. Self-mutilation is a compulsive act that may be performed to release emotional pain, anger, or anxiety; to rebel against authority; to flirt with risk-taking; or to feel in control. In some cases, the behavior is outside your emotional control and related to a neurological or metabolic disorder.

The behavior is not considered socially appropriate. It is also not part of a religious custom or a form of art.

Seasonal affective disorder – Definition

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that corresponds to seasonal changes in light. It most commonly occurs in late fall and lasts through the winter and into spring. It’s not uncommon to feel “down” during the winter months. But people with SAD are not able to function normally during these months. It often begins during adolescence or young adulthood.

SAD may be caused by fluctuations in hormones and brain chemicals.

Schizophrenia – Definition

Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe, disabling brain disorder that interferes with the way a person interprets reality. People with schizophrenia may:

• Hear voices or see things that others do not
• Become paranoid that people are plotting against them
• Experience cognitive deficits
• Withdraw socially

These and other symptoms make it difficult for people with schizophrenia to have positive relationships with others.

Post-traumatic stress disorder – Definition

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that develops after a traumatic event. PTSD has also been called “shell shock” or “battle fatigue.”

Post-traumatic stress disorder – Causes

The exact cause of PTSD is unknown. PTSD is triggered by exposure to a traumatic event. Situations in which a person feels intense fear, helplessness, or horror are considered traumatic. PTSD has been reported in people who experienced:

• War
• Rape
• Physical assault
• Natural disaster (eg, earthquake, fire)
• Sexual abuse
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Animal attack

Researchers are studying how problems with synapses in the brain may be linked to PTSD.