Social anxiety, or social phobia, is defined as a “psychological disorder characterized by an intense and persistent fear of facing situations in which one is exposed to the presence and judgment of others, for fear of appearing embarrassed, of appearing incapable and ridiculous and of acting in an inappropriate and humiliating way.” It can often be confused with excessive shyness or as a transitory state of social discomfort, which tends to ease over time.
The distinctive feature ofsocial anxiety it’s not embarrassment, but the fear of being laughed at or humiliated. This condition manifests itself:
- with anxious thoughts of catastrophic content, which can be particularly common in cases of anxiety in young people
- with physical symptoms such as tremor from anxiety and acute crises that resemble panic attacks.
These manifestations can take on specific characteristics in adolescence.
What happens When does a teenager suffer from social anxiety? In this article we delve into the relationship between social anxiety, psychology and adolescence
A life under scrutiny
Let’s imagine having to face a very important exam, where we will be evaluated and judged in a decisive way. And if the judgment was final and we found ourselves in front of the examining commission in pajamas and slippers…
This extreme metaphor may be reminiscent of what a person experiences during adolescence when they experience symptoms of social anxiety: an intense sense of being exposed, judged, or out of place, especially in situations that require speaking in front of others. In these moments, the fear of making mistakes or not being up to par can also make itself felt very strongly, bringing with it unpleasant sensations of shame and insecurity that can impact emotional well-being.
Adolescents and social anxiety
Adolescents with social phobia are often worried:
- to give a negative image of oneself
- speaking or acting in a way that makes you seem stupid and draws attention to yourself (scopophobia)
- of being rejected by peers and being excluded (fear of missing out)
- speaking in public (glossophobia)
- to make mistakes in front of others.
During the phase of profound physical and psychological changes of adolescence, there is not always awareness of the excessive nature of social anxiety, which instead can happen more easily in adults. Social anxiety disorder is often identified around age 12-14, just as kids begin to increase social activities with peers both at school and outside.
Usually, adolescents who experience this difficulty:
- they are reluctant to try new experiences or activities
- they may fear speaking to people they have just met or in public when they know they are the center of attention
- they avoid eye contact with others
- they focus on ambiguous stimuli, interpreting them as negative judgments towards them.
Very often anxiety in adolescence can also manifest itself with somatizations important, both at a gastric and muscular level, or with headaches.
A psychological test can help you understand if you suffer from social anxiety
Asocial
What made things even more complex was the widespread diffusion of social networks, which gave rise to a new type of sociality, apparently more comfortable for those who have difficulty living relationships in the real world.
However, these platforms, precisely because of the shortcut they offer, can make it more difficult to develop thatself-awareness necessary to manage discomfort. An extreme example comes from the East, where this phenomenon has taken on very worrying forms: the hikikomori. In recent years, the social and psychological consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic have continued to impact the emotional well-being of younger people, contributing to an increase in anxiety attacks among adolescents. Covid anxiety and social anxiety have thus added up, making the management of the discomfort even more complex.
Diagnostic criteria according to DSM-5
To better understand social anxiety in adolescence, it is useful to refer to the diagnostic criteria established by the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition), one of the most used tools in the clinical field.
According to the DSM-5, social phobia is characterized by:
- Marked and persistent fear of one or more social situations in which the person is exposed to the possible judgment of others. In adolescents, this can especially manifest itself at school or in groups.
- Fear of acting in an embarrassing or humiliating waywith the belief that others may judge negatively.
- Avoidance of social situations feared or endured them with intense discomfort.
- Duration of the disorder of at least six months, with a significant impact on daily, academic or relational functioning.
These criteria help distinguish social anxiety from simple shyness or passing discomfort, underscoring the importance of a professional evaluation for an accurate diagnosis.
Epidemiological data and gender differences
Social anxiety is one of the most common anxiety disorders among adolescents. According to 2021 World Health Organization research, the prevalence of social phobia among young people ranges between 7% and 13% globally.
Some studies have highlighted that:
- The girls they tend to manifest symptoms of social anxiety more frequently than boys, probably due to both biological and cultural factors.
- The debut it often occurs between the ages of 12 and 14, coinciding with the typical changes of puberty and the increase in social demands.
- Persistence of the disorder without adequate intervention can increase the risk of developing other psychological problems, such as depression or substance abuse.
These data underline how important it is to recognize signs of distress early and intervene promptly.
How to intervene
Intervening early can help prevent the problem from taking root and encouraging the development of related disorders, such as depressive disorders or social withdrawal. There are several approaches that can provide the help you need to manage social anxiety: The first step is don’t underestimate the problem and find the courage to rely on an expert.
Attempts at self-care
Often, young people experiencing this difficulty tend to use various strategies to reduce the sense of discomfort, resorting to:
- alcohol
- cannabinoids
- drugs.
These behaviors can lead to the development of abuse or addiction from substances, creating an even more complex picture due to the effects of the drug on the organism.
Pharmacological intervention
Psychotherapy can be integrated with pharmacotherapy, which can help to continue the psychotherapeutic path and alleviate the most disabling symptoms. However, it is not recommended an exclusively pharmacological intervention, because it can induce a further sense of inadequacy in the person with social anxiety and increase the feeling of passivity with respect to the dynamics of their life.
Practical strategies for managing social anxiety
In addition to therapeutic interventions, there are some practical strategies that can help adolescents manage social anxiety in daily life. These techniques, although simple, can promote a greater sense of control and well-being.
- Breathing and relaxation techniques: Exercises such as diaphragmatic breathing or progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety.
- Gradual exposure: tackling feared situations progressively, starting with the least anxiety-provoking ones, can help build confidence in one’s abilities.
- Restructuring of thoughts: learning to recognize and modify negative or catastrophic thoughts related to the judgment of others can help reduce discomfort.
- Social skills training: Practicing in safe settings, such as small groups or with the support of an adult, can help improve safety in interactions.
These strategies can be integrated into the therapeutic path or used as support in everyday life, always with the supervision of a professional.
Therapy can help
As far as individual interventions are concerned, cognitive-behavioral therapy provides important results in a relatively short time. This approach favors the restructuring of catastrophic dysfunctional thoughts and the systematic and gradual exposure to the feared stimulus.
Another approach is that systemic-relationalin which the intervention focuses on maladaptive family mandates that can imprison the person in a series of thoughts and actions linked to their system of belonging. Distancing yourself from these patterns can help you redefine yourself in a more adaptive way.
In some less severe forms, one may be recommended group therapy: through discussion with others and the guidance of a therapist, you can learn to manage discomfort and better deal with feared situations.
If you feel like social anxiety is limiting your life or the life of a loved one, remember that you are not alone. A psychological journey can help you better understand your emotions and find personalized strategies to deal with difficulties. On Evidence Network you can find an online psychologist specializing in social anxiety and start your support journey with peace of mind. Take the first step: start the questionnaire to find the professional best suited to you.
