One of the problems with social anxiety is that it rarely makes an appearance by itself. Along with being fearful in social situations, people with this disorder usually have other conditions as well. Four out of every five people diagnosed with social anxiety disorder are also diagnosed with another disorder as well, such as:

• Depression

• Addiction (alcohol, substance abuse etc)

• Eatings disorders (bulimia, anorexia)

• Personality disorders

• Other forms of anxiety disorders (panic attacks, phobias, OCD)

It's important to discuss all symptoms when getting advice from a doctor, so that he or she can develop the right course of treatment that includes these other disorders as well.

Substance Abuse

Substance abuse (particularly alcoholism) is a very common problem that goes along with social anxiety, as people try to use drugs or alcohol to mask their fear and nervousness symptoms. Its estimated that nearly a quarter (25%) of alcoholics also have an underlying social anxiety problem. It's also been shown that alcoholics with social anxiety who don't get treatment for both problems are more likely to go back to drinking.

Depression and Other Anxieties

When looking at people with major depression, it's been found that up to 57% of them have some other form of anxiety disorder, with social anxiety being the most common.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (commonly just called OCD) is usually found with other disorders, including various levels of social anxiety. Certain personality disorders, in particular Avoidant Personality Disorder may just be another variant of social anxiety, since the symptoms of avoiding other people are basically the same.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

One other type of disorder that frequently develops along with the social anxiety is body dysmorphic disorder. It's must less common than the others in the general population, but is found in approximately 12% of people with social anxiety disorders. Someone with BDD becomes obsessed with how they look, and view themselves with numerous physical defects. These "defects" are usually very minor, or may be completely imagined. Being self-conscious about your appearance naturally goes hand in hand with social anxiety disorder.

Please remember: If you feel you need help in working on your social anxiety problem, especially if your symptoms are interfering with your life, don't wait to seek help from a qualified professional. The earlier social anxiety disorder is identified and treated the better.