Does the thought of networking, making small talk or going to a party set your pulse racing and palms sweating, with a slightly sick feeling in the pit of your stomach?
You are not alone if it does. Social anxiety disorder is so much more than being timid in social settings and is the most prevalent anxiety disorder in childhood and adolescence. In Hong Kong, the prevalence of social anxiety disorder among children between ages of 3 and 6 is currently 7.5%. The high prevalence of the disorder is definitely worthy of our attention to understand how to manage it.
What is Social Anxiety Disorder?
We all have experienced feeling uneasy, fidgety, jumpy in social settings. For instance, when giving a presentation, our heart pounds rapidly. Most people can get through the shyness, but when it comes to social anxiety, the distress caused can be much harder to bear.
Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is a mental health condition causing an intense, persistent fear of being judged or scrutinized by others. Shyness often stops after a short period of time and does not impair one’s daily functioning. However, social anxiety disorder culminates in persistent, exhausting repercussions.
Social Anxiety Disorder: Beyond Shyness
5 min read
Does the thought of networking, making small talk or going to a party set your pulse racing and palms sweating, with a slightly sick feeling in the pit of your stomach?
You are not alone if it does. Social anxiety disorder is so much more than being timid in social settings and is the most prevalent anxiety disorder in childhood and adolescence. In Hong Kong, the prevalence of social anxiety disorder among children between ages of 3 and 6 is currently 7.5%. The high prevalence of the disorder is definitely worthy of our attention to understand how to manage it.
What is Social Anxiety Disorder?
We all have experienced feeling uneasy, fidgety, jumpy in social settings. For instance, when giving a presentation, our heart pounds rapidly. Most people can get through the shyness, but when it comes to social anxiety, the distress caused can be much harder to bear.
Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is a mental health condition causing an intense, persistent fear of being judged or scrutinized by others. Shyness often stops after a short period of time and does not impair one’s daily functioning. However, social anxiety disorder culminates in persistent, exhausting repercussions.
Signs & Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder
During social interactions and social settings, individuals with social anxiety disorder may develop the following signs and symptoms:
People with social anxiety disorder often panic and are on tenterhooks days or even weeks before the event. Since they are avoidant of social settings, they may miss school or work because of foreseeable anxiety.
Note that symptoms of social anxiety may not appear in all social situations. People with social anxiety disorder may experience selective anxiety under certain circumstances only.
Causes of Social Anxiety Disorder
The exact cause of social anxiety disorder is unknown. Current research suggests that the condition is caused by a combination of environmental factors and genetics. While social anxiety disorder can possibly run in families, researchers are still unraveling the effects of genetic factors and nurturing environments on the disorder. Below are some possible causes:
Other factors may also increase the risk of social anxiety disorder, including:
Diagnosis of Social Anxiety Disorder
No medical tests can be used to check for social anxiety disorder. However, based on self-report of symptoms, clinicians can make a diagnosis with regards to the behavioral patterns of an individual. The diagnostic criteria include:
Prevention of Social Anxiety Disorder
Several practices may be helpful to cope with anxiety in social settings:
Treatments of Social Anxiety Disorder
After valid diagnosis by a clinician, people with social anxiety disorder may be advised to receive psychotherapy, medication or a combination of both as deemed suitable by a mental health professional.
Psychotherapies
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective in treating social anxiety disorder. Through its clinical sessions, CBT can help the individual identify negative thought patterns, challenge and change these cognitive distortions and maladaptive behaviors. Different methods, such as coping tools, will be adopted to help them reduce anxiety and fear, whilst allowing space to practice social and communication skills.
Group CBT is also beneficial for individuals diagnosed with the disorder, where they can receive unbiased, genuine feedback from one another without judgment, so as to realize any distorted evaluation they have. Along the way, they can observe and learn from others’ approaches to overcoming anxiety in social situations.
Exposure therapy may also be delivered to encourage you to face the target anxiety source and not to avoid or escape from social situations, steadily supporting you to face them.
How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Can Treat Mental Illnesses
Medications
Several medications may be prescribed by a medical doctor to alleviate the condition:
Please note that social anxiety disorder treatments, particularly medications, need to be conducted and prescribed by a medical doctor.
Do you need help?
If you are looking for professional advice, you may reach out to the services below:
Hospital Authority Mental Health Direct (24 hours)
Tel: 2466 7350
Available languages: English, Cantonese, Mandarin
Social Welfare Department Hotline Service
Tel: 2343 2255
Available languages: English, Cantonese, Mandarin
The Mental Health Association of Hong Kong
Tel: 2772 0047
Available languages: Cantonese, Mandarin
If you need immediate support, please do not hesitate to reach out for professional help. Below is a list of hotlines with 24-hour support:
The Samaritans
Hotline: 2896 0000
Available languages: English, Cantonese, Mandarin
Suicide Prevention
Hotline: 2382 0000
Available language: Cantonese
The Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong
Hotline: 2389 2222
Available language: Cantonese
FAQs
Social anxiety disorder usually emerges during childhood or early adolescence. It may be associated with a history of bullying, abuse or negative experiences. Shy children are more prone to develop social anxiety. Children with parents who are controlling or overprotective may also be susceptible to social anxiety disorder.
Social anxiety is more than just shyness. Social anxiety disorder is a mental health condition that culminates in an intense, persistent fear of being judged or scrutinized by others. Shyness often only persists for a short period of time and does not impair one’s daily functioning. However, social anxiety disorder can be persistent and exhausting to bear.
Without treatment, social anxiety can be overwhelming as the symptoms may impair daily functioning in social, occupational or other major life areas. Individuals with social anxiety may experience a lack of social support and reduced quality of relationships.
This article was independently written by Healthy Matters. It is informative only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be relied upon for specific medical advice.