How Do You Tell The Difference Between Social Phobia and Extreme Introvert-ness?

Question

I know I"m a introvert, but how do I tell if its also Socail Phobia?

I don't think its social phobia, I go to the movies, I chit chat, with people at my job in the library. I go to some college functions. The thing is I just don't talk that much. I'm very quiet. And only speak when I need or have to express something.

Answer 1

My understanding of being an introvert is that you draw your energy from within yourself and an extrovert draws it from what is around you. Not all introverts are shy (tho its more common) but are usually quieter people. Social phobia is when you are anxious in social settings so if you get nervous about being around people. As an introvert, i'd say you'd be more likely to choose not to be around people and enjoy quiet time and time alone.

I'm an extrovert but I'm quite shy around people I dont know. At the same time I love meeting people. We're funny creatures aren't we :)

From what you added, it sounds like you don't depend on external influences the way an extrovert does. I studied personality types a bit last year and found it really interesting. To me, you don't sound liek you have a social phobia. If you're ok about talking to people but just prefer your own company then i would say that is more a trait of an introvert.

Answer 2

Social phobia is a psychological diagnosis whereas extreme introvertedness is more a cultural term. As a previous person stated, introversion is also used in some personality tests to determine where people get their energy from. Either way, phobia is characterized by anxiety. So if you tend to feel anxious in social situations (worrying about being around people you don't know or about judgments they may make about you) to the point where you avoid these situations, it may be a social phobia. However, this could apply to anybody to some degree so I would suggest you see a psychologist to get an adequate diagnosis. I would follow the gut, if you're asking the question then you may be thinking that your introversion may be more than simple shyness. A psychologist can help you clear that up.

Answer 3

Social phobia can cause panic attacks when placed in a frightening social situation.

http://www.socialanxietyinstitute.org/ds...

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/cognitive_b... worked best for me. I suffered from social anxiety for over 15 years. I've tried meds, individual therapy, and group therapy and studied psychology for 10 years, as a profession, but also with the hope to cure myself.

Depending on your comfort level, you could go to a psychologist that practices CBT and specializes in anxiety disorders, seek a group therapy, or create one. Usually those that do attend the group therapy are a bit more high functioning because as you know, it can be difficult to speak in a group.

Another idea is to see if there are any local research studies being conducted that you could participate in.

The program that finally worked the best for me is this one: http://www.socialanxiety.us/findinghelp.... and I was lucky enough to have a structured behavioral group to go along with it. Sometimes the people that actually attend this program come back home and form groups.

Any questions, let me know ... I can't tell you how much this has improved my life!

Answer 4

Is it impacting your life negatively? Then it's a social phobia.

Many people are shy although not all the time, some shyness can be situational, when one is wary or not having all the information one needs. I think we all as humans experience that kind of shyness once in a great while.

However, if you are so shy that you cannot talk to anyone and are staying locked in your house, never coming out or interacting with anyone then this is a far larger problem.

Talk to your family doctor and ask for a referral to psychology department at a university or a psychiatrist. There are therapies that can help you.

Answer 5

I would think a social phobia would be not ever going into a social situation. Extreme introvertness would be going into social situations but not feeling comfortable or not talking to anyone.

Answer 6

When you avoid people. Avoid palces. Places your normally would go to.