Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

social phobia
A paralyzing fear of interacting
with others. Symptoms include excessive blushing,
sweating, trembling, rapid heartbeat, muscle ten-
sion, nausea, and extreme anxiety. Social phobia
can occur in very young children or emerge at a
later age. It can be disabling to a person’s work and
social and family relationships. Many people with
social phobia have trouble reaching their educa-
tional and professional goals or even maintaining
employment. They may depend on others financially
and try to relieve anxiety by using alcohol and
drugs. In extreme cases, a person with social pho-
bia may begin to avoid all social situations and
become housebound. Treatment options include
using medications and cognitive-behavioral therapy,
which employs exposure and response prevention.
Medications for social phobias include antidepres-
sants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
(SSRIs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors
(MAOIs), as well as high-potency benzodiazepenes.
People with the specific form of social phobia called
performance phobia may be helped with drugs
called beta blockers.
social worker
A health professional who assists
individuals and families with social or emotional
issues. Within the medical system, a social worker
might help uninsured families who need medical
care find help; work with grieving parents, spouses,
or other family members; provide individual therapy;
or help patients find resources to meet their needs
for personal and community support. A social
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worker may have a BA or a master’s in social work
(MSW).
socialization
The learning process a child goes
through as he or she learns how to interact appro-
priately with other people.