Social Anxiety Disorder Research Paper

Social anxiety disorder is a psychiatric disorder that can affect relationships, work, and school attendance (“Treating”). In the United States, an estimated 13% of the population will develop social anxiety disorder in their lifetime, including children, teens, and adults (“Social”). Those who struggle with social anxiety have a fear of being negatively judged by others in social situations, and as a result, often avoid public interactions when possible. Signs of social anxiety disorder can begin around the age of thirteen, often being mistaken for shyness by parents (Albano). Teens with social anxiety disorder are more likely than their peers to become depressed, and to fall victim to substance abuse in their future (Albano). …show more content…
Life experiences, as well as genetic factors may play a role in the cause of social anxiety disorder (“Treating”). A notably embarrassing moment in the life of an individual can trigger the start of social anxiety (“Social”). In middle school and high school, peers are more likely to point out and laugh at the mistakes of fellow students. As a result, a class presentation gone wrong can be the starting point of social anxiety disorder for a teen. Researchers have also collected data to show that genetic factors may contribute to the disorder. According to “Treating,” “Brain imaging studies have found that, compared with other people, those with social anxiety disorder display greater activity in the amygdala -an area of the brain involved in the processing of emotions, particularly fear- when speaking in public”. This correlation provides evidence showing that genetic factors may play a role in the cause of social anxiety. While the causes of social anxiety disorder are still being researched, it is important for parents, teachers, and peers to recognize the possible causes of social anxiety disorder. It is also very important to be able to identify the symptoms of social …show more content…
According to “Social,” “Typical mental symptoms include an extreme fear of being scrutinized and judged; sufferers feel embarrassed, ashamed, and humiliated when they simply think about personal interactions.” Just the thought of talking to a stranger is a nightmare for those struggling with social anxiety disorder. For teens, asking their teacher a question in front of classmates seems like an impossible task, which is why many teens with social anxiety disorder resort to rarely speaking in school. Common physical symptoms of social anxiety include shortness of breath, blushing, rapid heartbeat, and perspiration (“Social”). It can be challenging for parents and peers to recognize these symptoms because many individuals have found ways to mask their symptoms. Albano shares, "Because children with social phobia are generally content and compliant around home, and because parents do not receive reports of misbehavior at school, many families fail to recognize a problem until their child is already withdrawn from activities and peers. By this point, the child may be experiencing extreme isolation and falling behind developmentally and academically." As symptoms often go unnoticed by peers and family members, many individuals are detrimentally affected while struggling with social anxiety on their own. “Treating” shares that teens, “May try to cope by avoiding potentially stressful situations, resulting

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