How do I know if I have social phobia?

The title kinda says it all..I personally dont talk to people outside my comfort zone. It took me forever to sit in the cafeteria and not go to the library.I just moved last Spring and I only talk to my friends. My heart beats fast anytime I read something ... afraid to be judged. Is this just me being shy? or Do I have a problem that should be adressed? I am so scared of trying to put myself out there and meeting new people.

Hi Katix3
It seems like, you are in the early stages of social anxiety disorder. Dont worry. You are not the only one. a lot of others do. How do you feel when you are among the new people?

Hi,

This is not an official test but I created it to measure how disturbed a person is. Try taking it and see what you get. If you are anything above magnitude 3 you need some serious help immediately in my opinion. Other than that from what you have described I would guess you are magnitude 7/8 with Social Phobia as your main dx.

The Disturbance Test...

http://forums.psychcentral.com/showthread.php?t=223098

If I'm not with my friends or someone to keep my mind off things then I'm perfectly fine. When I'm alone and I dont know anyone then I keep to myself and I dont even want to think about meeting new people

How do I score the test... And should I talk to my mom or someone to diagnose me?

Hi
It is better ask yourself or search deeply in your mind or inside you, which constantly prevent you from thinking about meeting new people or meeting new people. When the cause is identified it will be easier for you to find a solution for your issue.

It may be due to lack of confidence, lack of self esteem or you do not know how to handle a situation like meeting new people or you don't know how to react when you are among the new people. You can definitely find the cause.

I know, this will be a huge thing for you. Why don't you try joining a class like, art or language where you can find a few people with same interests like you have, to get along with, which will help your confidence growing and help you prepare meeting new people.

Thats just it ...I'm scared of the fact that there wont be someone that I'll know or someone who's into what I'm into. What if no one wants to talk to me?

You may be suffering from generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), or social phobia, although, as far as I'm aware these can overlap and be quite similar in nature. I suffer from the a similar condition, and it was suggested that I may suffer form Avoidance Personality Disorder.

That's one you should google, as you may recognise your personality characteristic s and behavioural pattern in the diagnostic criteria. I took a test, and realistically, discovered that many of the questions didn't apply to what I was experiencing, so I don't think I'm a APD sufferer.

Maybe you have light social anxiety, or maybe not. I think it also depends on the question if you are happy with your life? Are you happy with the friends and social circle you have? Or do you deep inside want to meet many new people and become a better social version of who you now are?

Being a bit shy doesn't have to mean you have social anxiety, but if shyness makes you unhappy, you could read some articles about social skills online, buy some self-help books about social skills, or even visit a CBT-Therapist.