What's the difference between shyness and social social phobia?

The difference between shyness and social phobia can be likened to the big distinction between, say, heartburn and a cardiac condition. While one can happen every once in a while and its effects tend to evaporate rather quickly, the other is chronic, has serious symptoms that will not just "go away," and requires serious medical attention. Unlike the temporary uneasiness and embarrassing awkwardness of shyness, social phobia is a very intense and oftentimes debilitating fear of embarrassment or humiliation that can severely disrupt a person's life and can even lead to other serious physical illnesses and mental disorders. By the time it's finally recognized for what it really is and is accurately diagnosed, social phobia has led to at least one other mental disorder in 81% of its victims, with 61% suffering panic disorder and 90% having clinical depression. Many sufferers of social phobia turn to alcohol for the short-term immediate effect drinking can have on diminishing anxiety and, ...  more