Social Phobias and Panic Attacks

Dr Alan Wade, a GP from Clydebank, became aware of the condition through his interest in phobias and panic attacks.

'Sufferers grossly underachieve/ he says. They often don't earn as much as the average person and favour solitary jobs where they can avoid scrutiny. They may even choose t& be unemployed because they can't face going out. They are prone to depression and other disorders such as agoraphobia, which has similar symptoms.

These phobias do not evoke much sympathy in those who have never experienced them. On the whole they seem trivial and sufferers do their best to hide them, feeling that they might be laughed at. Walking past a line of people standing at a bank counter, writing a cheque, speaking in front of a class - such simple actions for most of us, but agonising for many social phobia sufferers.

How can a visit to the bank be as traumatic as a visit to the dentist? It is the way that a phobic person's mind works ¬always jumping ahead, expecting the worst. One member of PAX explains his fear of his bank and the thoughts that run through his mind.

There are a lot of people waiting, I feel trapped already. I should have checked how much there is in my account. Supposing there isn't enough to cover this cheque? Why is the bank clerk looking at me in that funny way? What is the computer telling her? Why has she walked away? Everyone is looking at me.
By this time he can hardly take his money because his hand is shaking so much.

Another PAX member, this time a woman, wrote;

I cannot bear to be looked at. I am afraid I might do something silly, make a fool of myself, make a mistake or lose control in some way. More than anything I am afraid of anyone KNOWING I'm afraid.

Again, the problem is the need to escape before she commits the dreadful crime of drawing attention to herself. As we see, this is closely linked to the agoraphobic state. Avoiding social situations means that she may become housebound, but unlike the agoraphobic who can find sanctuary from her fears in her home, the social phobic finds that her problems follow her indoors.
To this person, the arrival of an unexpected caller can be a disaster. The sound of the doorbell, a knock on the door, sets off warning signals. Who is it? Why are they here? What do they want? These thoughts flash through her mind as she ducks into a corner where she cannot be seen. Her heart races, her mouth dries up as she feels the situation is getting out of hand and she won’t be able to cope. The only thing to do is to stay hidden until they go away. Unfortunately there are times when visitors must be faced,



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