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Social anxiety is the fear of social situations. This fear causes both mental and physical symptoms that are extremely uncomfortable for the person experiencing them. Both mental and physical symptoms can be so intense that they eventually lead to additional health problems.

The most common physical symptoms of social anxiety are as follows:

' Heart palpitations or a rapid heartbeat - This is a very common symptom of social anxiety disorder, but it is also a common symptom for several other health problems. If you have never experienced this before, you should see a doctor to determine whether another health problem exists.

' Tremors - tremors, or shaking, usually cannot be controlled. The trembling can be very mild, or very strong and noticeable.

' Sweating - some people will sweat more than others. Some people only experience sweaty palms, or feel too warm, while others sweat profusely.

' Diarrhea - social anxiety causes stress, and stress causes diarrhea. Diarrhea may last as long as the person is feeling the stress.

' Confusion - when fear exists, a persons adrenaline level rises. This major increase in adrenaline can cause a person to appear to be confused. They may even actually be confused because they are focusing on the fear, and not on the situation.

' Blushing - People with social anxiety disorder may or may not blush. Blushing is generally associated with shyness, but shyness and social anxiety are not the same thing.

' Nausea - fear usually causes feelings of nausea. Depending on the level of fear that the person is experiencing, the nausea usually goes away once the person is removed from the situation. It can, however, result in vomiting.

' Difficulty talking - the person may be experiencing so much fear that they find it difficult, if not impossible to talk. This is one of the most feared symptoms by people with social anxiety, because they worry that people will think that they are stupid or incompetent.

' Muscle Tension - muscle tension is caused when a person experiences extreme or prolonged stress or fear. Muscle tension can become so bad that it causes muscles to become sore.

' Dry throat or mouth - adrenaline rush causes a dry mouth, and fear that is associated with social anxiety causes an adrenaline rush.

' Muscle twitches - adrenaline can rush through the body so fast that it causes muscles to jump.

' Dizziness - adrenaline can cause dizziness, but this could also be a sign of a more serious medical problem. If you become dizzy, you should see a doctor.

' Shortness of breath, feelings of smothering - This is a common sign of an anxiety attack, but it could also signal another health problem. You should seek medical treatment.

' Chest pain - This is another common sign of an anxiety attack, but it is also a common sign of a heart attack. If you experience chest pain, go to the nearest emergency room and seek medical treatment, or call an ambulance.

' Difficulty swallowing - fear makes you feel like you have a lump in your throat. That lump, whether it is real or imagined, makes swalling difficult.

' Pale skin - both stress and nausea can cause a person to turn pale.

These are the most common symptoms of social anxiety. You may experience other symptoms, or these symptoms in varying degrees. If the symptoms that you experience are new or severe, you should visit the doctor as soon as possible.