Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is the extreme fear of scrutiny or judgment by othersin social situations. Sufferers of this disorder can be significantly held back in their daily lives, and may seem cold and withdrawn even if they would like to be friendly and approachable. Common social occurrences such as meeting new people, being interviewed, and making phone calls can trigger significant fear and distress in the form of symptoms like racing heart, shortness of breath, and trembling. Many people with social anxiety have very few social relationships and can also experience poor family relationships, employment difficulties, and substance abuse. Although many do not seek treatment, cognitive-behavioral therapy can be very useful in treating social anxiety disorder.