Social anxiety disorder (SAD) affects 1 out of 3 adolescents between 13 and 18 years old. Over 19 million people across America suffer from social anxiety disorder (SAD) today, including a significant number of young adults. It is the most common anxiety disorder and the third most common mental health disorder in the country. Social Anxiety Disorder, also known as Social Phobia, is marked by an ongoing and pervasive fear of social interaction and/or situations where embarrassment might occur. While it is common to experience some anxiety in new social situations, individuals with social anxiety disorder feel overwhelming self-consciousness, distress, and fear of judgment in day-to-day social interactions. SAD prevents individuals from having normal relationships and interactions. It can also negatively affect normal daily activities.
People with social anxiety disorder frequently avoid social interactions altogether. This leads to diminished relationships, withdrawal, and overall isolation. Like many other anxiety disorders, those with SAD may realize and acknowledge that their anxiety is often unreasonable or unwarranted but still find themselves trapped in the cycle of anxiety and fear of social humiliation or embarrassment. Strong physical symptoms, such as nausea, trembling, sweating, or blushing, may occur in sufferers even in “normal,” everyday social situations.
If you are a parent, then you likely hope your child will grow up feeling self-assured and comfortable in their own skin. These characteristics are some of the most vital when it comes to thriving socially and thus achieving an overall sense of well-being. Unfortunately, many children mature into socially anxious teenagers. This can happen for a variety of reasons, and there may be multiple factors that contribute to a teen’s social anxiety.
Risk Factors
As with most mental health disorders, social anxiety disorder is not attributed to one single cause. Nonetheless, there are certain factors that can increase a person’s likelihood of developing SAD, including genetics, brain chemistry, and/or trauma. This means those who have a first-degree family history, chemical imbalances in the brain, or have experienced long-term stress or trauma may have an increased risk of being diagnosed with social anxiety disorder.
Adolescents are at risk for various mental health conditions, including social anxiety disorder, ADHD, and depression. Social anxiety disorder tends to emerge in adolescence, and because of this trend, mental health professionals have explored additional risk factors for this younger population.
While shyness and social anxiety can share similar symptoms, they are distinct conditions. Shyness is a normal personality trait characterized by feelings of nervousness or apprehension in social situations. However, it typically does not interfere with daily life or cause significant distress.
Social anxiety disorder, on the other hand, is a mental health condition that can cause substantial distress and impairment in daily life. Individuals with social anxiety disorder often experience excessive and persistent fear or anxiety in social situations, leading to avoidance of social interactions and significant disruption in their daily activities.
If you notice your teenager is struggling socially, there is a chance they may be suffering from social anxiety disorder. Knowing the signs and symptoms of this mental health disorder is the first step in helping your teen get the necessary help.
Teens with social anxiety disorder may also be at risk for developing other mental health challenges, such as eating disorders. While the symptoms can be quite significant and impair functioning in a variety of ways, social anxiety disorder is treatable.
Treatment for a social anxiety disorder often involves psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. A treatment plan for SAD is typically based on the severity and frequency of symptoms.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most commonly used approach to treating social anxiety disorder (and anxiety disorders overall). Cognitive behavioral therapy is typically short-term and goal-oriented. For teens with social anxiety disorder, this method of psychotherapy targets the unhealthy thinking patterns and behaviors that drive the social anxiety and provides the tools and skills to manage the thoughts and choose healthier behaviors. Cognitive behavioral therapy also helps teens with SAD understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Early intervention and treatment are crucial for helping young people manage social anxiety and improve their mental health.
Exposure Therapy
While not as common as CBT, exposure therapy can be an effective psychotherapeutic approach for teens with social anxiety. Exposure therapy gradually exposes the teen to their fears (while keeping them safe) while teaching helpful strategies for managing the fear. Exposure therapy is based on the belief that the more a person encounters their fears, the less and less scary they become.
Medications
Medication is often prescribed to teenagers who struggle with social anxiety disorder, especially if SAD is significantly impacting their functioning. Overall, anxiety medication targets the brain’s emotional control center and aids in the circuits functioning more efficiently. A variety of medications, combined with therapy, may be prescribed to teenagers with social anxiety disorder, including:
Social anxiety disorder is a common mental health condition that can significantly impact daily life. While it can be challenging to manage, there are many effective treatments and strategies available. By understanding the causes and risk factors of social anxiety, distinguishing it from shyness, and building resilience and coping skills, individuals can learn to manage their symptoms and improve their overall mental health.
It’s essential to remember that social anxiety is not a sign of weakness, and seeking help is a sign of strength. By promoting mental health awareness and education, reducing stigma, and providing access to mental health resources, we at Polaris support teens with social anxiety and help them thrive. Contact us today to see how.
This post was last modified on March 26, 2025 4:44 pm
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