People suffering from social phobia often have intense signs and symptoms. Some that frequently accompany the intense anxiety of social phobia can include:

• blushing
• difficulty talking
• nausea
• profuse sweating
• stomach discomfort
• trembling

Because many of these symptoms can be readily noticed by others, they often increase the fear of disapproval and, in a vicious cycle, these symptoms themselves can often become an additional focus of their fear. Patients with social phobia and social anxiety disorder worry about experiencing the symptoms which can increase their chances of experiencing the symptoms.

In many cases social phobia runs in families. It may be accompanied by alcohol dependence and depression. Social phobia sufferers may use alcohol to attempt to reduce their anxiety and alleviate depression. It is not uncommon for those with social phobia to exhibit symptoms of panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or other anxiety disorders.