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Have you ever become so nervous before a social event that you've opted to skip it? If so, you are not alone. Millions of Americans suffer from social phobia, an anxiety disorder characterized by intense fear of public humiliation or peer disapproval.
Most people look forward to socializing at birthday parties, holiday gatherings, and weddings. For others, these seemingly harmless occasions can result in a tremendous amount of anxiety. They may experience symptoms such as, blushing, sweating, a racing heartbeat, difficulty talking, or nausea and vomiting. People with social phobia may have trouble speaking in public, eating at restaurants, or urinating in public bathrooms.
There are two major types of social phobia: general and performance. People with the performance anxiety fear situations like public speaking, acting, eating in front of others, or using public restrooms. The more generalized type is characterized by anxiety or stress in most social situations. Sufferers often worry about social humiliation or embarrassment.
Social phobia is two times more likely to occur in women than in men. It usually begins in childhood or adolescence, and hardly ever develops after the age of 25. People with social phobia may recognize that their fear is excessive or unreasonable, but have difficulty conquering it. The treatment for social phobia varies for the different types.

The HealthInfo Library has the following books dealing with anxiety:

The Feeling Good Handbook by David D. Burns, M.D., 1990.
Caring For the Mind by Dianne and Robert E. Hales, M.D., 1996.
Emotional Health by The American Medical Women's Association, 1996.
The Book of Calm by Time Life Books, 1997.
The Relaxation & Stress Reduction Workbook. Martha Davis, Ph.D., Elizabeth Robbins
Eshelman, M.S.W. and Matthew McKay, Ph.D., 1995.
The Stress Management Sourcebook by J. Barton Cunningham, Ph.D., 1997.
Fighting Invisible Tigers, A Stress Management Guide for Teens by Earl Hipp , 1995.