Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Barkha ChikaraChief Medical Officer, MD (Psychiatry) from NIMHANS · Last reviewed October 2026Social anxiety disorder is an intense, lasting fear of being judged or embarrassed in social situations, such as speaking up, meeting people or eating in public. It goes beyond shyness, leads people to avoid things they want to do, and responds well to therapy.
About 1 in 10 adults in India lives with a mental disorder (National Mental Health Survey, 2015-16). You are not alone.
At a glance
Common signs
- Intense fear of social situations
- Fear of embarrassment or humiliation
- Physical symptoms
- Avoidance of social events
How it is usually treated
- CBT with social skills training
- Exposure therapy
- SSRIs
- Beta-blockers for performance anxiety
Where to start
A free pre-consultation call, then a video assessment with a psychiatrist. In danger? Call 112, or Tele-MANAS on 14416.
Book your free pre-consultation callRegistered clinicians: psychiatrists with their State Medical Council, psychologists with the Rehabilitation Council of India.
Signs
Tick any that feel familiar. This is not a diagnosis, only a clinician can assess you.
0 ticked. If these have been with you for a while, a free pre-consultation call is a good next step.
Book your free pre-consultation callHow people often describe it
- “I am scared of speaking in front of people”
- “I worry everyone is judging me”
- “I avoid meetings and gatherings”
- “I blush and shake when people look at me”
People who live with social anxiety disorder may also notice depression, avoidant personality traits or generalised anxiety. If any of these sound familiar, mention them to your clinician so your plan can cover them.
When to get help soon
Get help soon if fear is stopping you from studying, working or leaving home, or if you feel hopeless. Call Tele-MANAS on 14416 or 112 if you have thoughts of harming yourself.
How it is diagnosed
A psychiatrist asks which situations cause fear, how long it has lasted, what you avoid, and how it affects your life. They also check for depression, which often occurs alongside it.
Treatment and support
- CBT that tests feared predictions in real situations
- Gradual, planned exposure to social situations
- Social skills practice where useful
- Group therapy later in treatment, when you feel ready
How Mindly helps
Mindly's psychiatrists assess social anxiety and agree a step-by-step plan. Video sessions can feel easier as a first step. All care is online, by video.
Your first appointment
A psychiatrist asks what worries or fears show up, when, and what you avoid because of them, and rules out other causes.
Who is involved
Your psychiatrist can prescribe if medicine would help, and a clinical psychologist can teach skills such as CBT and exposure-based work.
Between sessions
You practise skills between sessions, and reviews look at what is getting easier.
What to expect
- Free pre-consultation callWe take your history and details, and match you with the right clinician.
- First consultationA video call in your language, with a clinician who already has your report.
- Your planYour clinician agrees a plan with you: therapy, medicine or both, as suits you.
- Follow-up reviewsRegular check-ins, and your plan is adjusted as you recover.
- Staying wellSupport to keep you well and catch early signs of a setback.
Every Mindly plan includes a second opinion from our Chief Medical Officer, a diagnosis-first approach and regular tracking of your recovery. How Mindly care works
Book your free pre-consultation callYour privacy and confidentiality. What you share with Mindly Health stays between you and your care team. Your conversations, reports and messages are treated as confidential and shared only with the team members involved in your care, apart from the limited cases where the law requires it or someone's safety is at serious risk. Read our Privacy Policy and your rights under the Mental Healthcare Act.
Common questions
Is social anxiety the same as shyness?
No. Shyness is a personality trait that does not stop you doing things. Social anxiety causes intense fear and avoidance that limit your life.
Will I have to speak in groups?
Only when you are ready. Therapy builds up gradually, at a pace agreed with you.
Can it be treated online?
Yes. CBT works well by video, and many people find it a comfortable start.
Clinicians with a focus in this area
Dr. Samarth S ShettyPsychiatrist
Dr. Nevedita DasPsychiatrist - Telepsychiatry & Evidence-Based Care
Ms. Kamakshi SabharwalClinical Psychologist
Ms. Janvi KhokharClinical Psychologist
Dr. Pooja RaniPsychiatrist
Online care in your city
Every consultation is by video, from wherever you are. Choose your city to see how it works.