I need help with a friend

[scottam2]

My male friend has been my friend for almost two years. We met our freshman year of college and we share a lot with eachother. Some time last year we were having a really deep conversation and he told me something about himself that I can't find an answer to, I'm hoping someone can help.

Whenever he meets a girl he likes he gets scared, but not in the normal sense. He is OK going up and talking to her etc but once the relationship moves on he begins acting 'funny'. For example, one night we were both just laying in his bed in his room talking and all of the sudden he just got up and left the room. He came back about ten minutes later pale, sweaty and had just thrown up. I asked what was going on and he told me that whenever he gets too close to a girl he cares about his heart starts pounding (which I thought was cute at first). He went  on to tell me that every time he has tried to kiss a girl, hold her hand, or just fall asleep next to her he became nauseous and also began pushing her away.

I'm really worried about him, it really bothers him and I don't like seeing him like that. I feel like it's maybe a type of social anxiety but I'm not sure. And if it is what can he do to get over it. I tried to tell him baby steps - that's all I've got.

Any help would be appreciated.