Scopophobia

Scopophobia, also spelled scoptophobia, is an anxiety disorder characterized by an excessive and persistent fear of being watched, looked at or scrutinized by other people, even in situations where such attention is minimal, imagined or entirely ordinary. Individuals affected by the condition may experience physical symptoms of anxiety such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling and an intense urge to avoid eye contact or public settings whenever they feel observed. The fear can significantly overlap with social anxiety disorder, since both involve heightened self-consciousness and distress about others' perceptions, and scopophobia is sometimes considered a specific manifestation within that broader category rather than a wholly separate diagnosis. Sufferers may go to considerable lengths to avoid being seen, including refusing to appear in photographs, avoiding crowded public spaces, wearing inconspicuous clothing, or withdrawing from social and professional opportunities that would place them in the spotlight. As with other specific phobias and social anxiety presentations, treatment commonly includes cognitive behavioral therapy aimed at correcting distorted beliefs about being judged, gradual exposure to feared social situations, and in more severe cases anti-anxiety medication prescribed alongside psychotherapy.