Being shy isn't cause for concern -- as long as it doesn't affect a child's willingness to engage in activities or communicate with others. For some kids, however, the mere thought of talking to new people or giving a school presentation sends them into a mental, and even physical, panic days ahead of time. These responses to social situations are indicative of social anxiety disorder, a condition that typically starts during childhood or adolescence, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
Shyness
Occasional shyness or anxiety in response to certain triggers, such as talking in front of a group, is not uncommon. This is called situational shyness and often occurs when a shy person is facing authority figures, such as teachers. Anxious reactions -- including increased heart rate and sweaty palms -- may occur. Despite these feelings, a shy child still goes through with these uneasy situations or events. Getting involved with new activities and approaching just one or two new people at a time can help kids overcome their shy nature.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder, or social phobia, is on the severe end of the shyness scale. Children with this phobia are so overwhelmed by certain situations that they try to completely avoid them. They fear humiliation and being judged by others. These fears tend to permeate throughout even routine activities, such as making a phone call, going to school or eating in front of other people. Kids with social anxiety often worry about social events for days or weeks in advance. They may have repetitive thoughts about what could go wrong. Left unaddressed, social anxiety impacts children's daily life, ability to develop friendships and opportunities to try new experiences.
Contributing Factors
What causes social anxiety isn't clear, but certain factors increase the likelihood of developing the disorder. Kids who've endured adverse events -- including abuse, bullying and family conflict -- could be more likely to develop social phobia. Having parents who are overly protective or strict may be a factor as well. Children who have immediate family members with the disorder are potentially at higher risk. Biological factors could also play a role; for instance, they may have a chemical imbalance or overactive response to fear in the brain.
Overcoming Social Anxiety
Mental health professionals help kids develop a plan to keep their debilitating thoughts and physical responses in check. Some research findings suggest that social effectiveness therapy for children, a form of behavioral therapy, is effective for reducing their symptoms, according to a December 2007 study in the "Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry." Participants worked through individual and group sessions in addition to completing an exposure therapy activity. Some of the children no longer fit the diagnostic requirements for social phobia after the program. Beyond therapy and family support, some kids may need medications such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs to overcome the disorder.
References
- California Institute of Technology; Understanding and Overcoming Shyness; Karen Payne, Ph.D
- KidsHealth: How Can I Help My Child Overcome Shyness?
- National Institute of Mental Health: Social Phobia (Social Anxiety Disorder)
- American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry; Facts for Families: The Anxious Child; November 2004
- Mayo Clinic; Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia); August 2009
- National Institue of Mental Health: Behavioral Therapy Effectively Treats Children with Social Phobia; December 2007
