• Extreme fear or anxiety about social situations in which the child is exposed to possible scrutiny by others.

• Fear being embarrassed or humiliated in front of others.

• Become very anxious or panic when having to perform in front of people.

• Worry what others think of them and fear they will be negatively evaluated.

• Worry about acting in a way that will lead to rejection or offend others.

• Extremely self-conscious when around others.

• Fear or anxiety when talking with or meeting unfamiliar people.

• Experience anticipatory anxiety before having to attend a social event where they think they will be judged by others.

• Overestimate the negative consequences of social situations.

• Social situations are avoided or endured with intense fear or anxiety.

• Show anxiety symptoms such as blushing, trembling, sweating, stumbling over one’s words, speaking softly, maintaining limited eye contact, crying, freezing, clinging to parent.

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Causes of Social Anxiety Disorder

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There is no single cause of social anxiety, rather it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

 

Factors that can increase a child’s risk of suffering social anxiety include:

• Genetics: Family history of anxiety. Inherited shy or inhibited temperament that can over time develop into social anxiety.

• Brain structure: An overactive amygdala, the part of the brain that controls the fear response.

• Negative social experiences: Stressful event at school (e.g., bullied or teased, criticised or humiliated for making a mistake, pressured to interact in a way they don’t feel ready for), past embarrassing experience in public may prompt an anxious response in future similar situations.

• Learned behaviour: Parents or other family members who exhibit socially anxiety tendencies can model this behaviour, unintentionally setting an example of avoiding certain social interactions, and a child watches this and learns that socialising is uncomfortable, stressful, and something to avoid.

• Parenting style: Overprotective or controlling parenting can limit a child's opportunities to learn how to cope in new situations and with new people. 

 

Treatment for Social Anxiety

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Treatment for social anxiety typically involves both counselling and medication.

 

If social anxiety is left untreated, it can significantly decrease a child’s quality of life. Untreated social anxiety can lead to relationship problems, isolation, social phobia, severe panic attacks, and depression. In the long-term in can lead to reduced opportunities for education and employment, substance abuse, and physical health issues.  

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