Five to 10% of the general population suffers from symptoms of an anxiety disorder. Social phobias, while less common than panic disorder, agoraphobia or simple phobias, are just as debilitating. Patients present with somatic, behavioural, mood and cognitive disturbances, of which unrecognized social isolation, depression, loss of employment, and drug and alcohol abuse can be the result. A symptomatic approach can be implemented through the use of education, insight, support, behaviour therapy, cognitive therapy, and pharmacological intervention.