Otherwise known as SAD (could a more appropriate acronym exist?), this anxiety disorder is characterized by a fear of social circumstances and interactions. People with SAD can fear anything from a jaunt to the mall to a short stroll from second to third period. But SAD complicates things even farther; these same anxious feelings may crop up when talking to someone over the phone--stranger or friend.

Where does this fear come from, you ask? Basically it stems from a worry that their every action is being scrutinized and judged--and not in a good way. Imagine American Idol ten-fold. But even these self-conscious symptoms are subjective. People with SAD may only experience these super sensitive feelings under specific circumstances, like say giving a presentation in speech class or auditioning for cheer. Others may feel this same way when they're simply walking to school or buying some candy at Target.

Social Anxiety Disorder isn't just simple shyness, obviously. Yes, some of the physiological (there's that word again!) symptoms are the same (i.e. blushing, stammering, sweating) but others are much more serious (i.e. dizziness, fainting). And like all other anxiety disorders, they can result in anxiety attacks.

Anyone can develop Social Anxiety Disorder at any time, though it's most easily recognized in children (they're usually clingy, throwing tantrums and falling "mute" with frequency). We're sure you can imagine how SAD could interfere with someone's life, perhaps more than any other AD. What if you were too anxious to go shopping or take your driver's test, or found yourself freezing up every time you met someone new? Options and opportunities would be limited and you'd never have any new friends.

So as the acronym implies, SAD is no laughing matter!