Social phobia, also known as social anxiety disorder, usually starts between the ages of 17 and 30, mainly in the teenage years. Foreign studies have reported a prevalence rate of 3% to 13% (among children, 1%), and 80% have never received treatment. The onset age of this disease is relatively early, and the patients often have certain personality basis such as introversion and shyness. A large number of patients are considered as “timid and introverted” and are not paid attention to, which leads to the conservative statistics on the number of patients with social phobia and the status of not timely treatment.
Right! Natural introversion
Psychologists divide people’s personality into two types, introversion and extroversion, there is no good or bad personality, introversion is a kind of trait, is a part of the innate personality, is born with.
Introverts tend to be thoughtful thinkers who reflect before they speak, tend to be keen observers, and pay great attention to detail, treasure it and need time alone to recharge. Some of their favorite activities or hobbies may be solitary. Introverts tend to have smaller social circles and value quality over quantity. In short, there’s nothing unusual about shy kids.
Social phobia is a disease
Social phobia is a mental illness and is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Possible risk factors include:
- Environmental factors. For example, parents adopt inhibitory or rejection parenting style, have low social and economic status, low quality of life, childhood abuse and adversity, etc.
- Personality traits For example, it is characterized by temperamental characteristics of restrained behaviors such as little talk, quiet, withdrawal, introversion and cowardice; Negative thinking and cognitive mode of negative self-evaluation.
Genetic factors. Family clustering, first-degree relatives with social phobia and so on.
Looks similar but looks different
Real social phobia is different. People with social phobia tend to have a negative view of the group. Except for a few close people, they find it difficult to communicate with the outside world, and these people cannot take the initiative to get out of their world and are unwilling to join the crowd. Children with social phobia often find it extremely difficult to play with other children, read in class, talk to adults or take exams in everyday situations. Even children with social phobia may not want to go to school.
In children, signs of social anxiety include crying or depression, being more frequent than usual, being angry a lot, avoiding interaction with other children and adults, being afraid to go to school or participate in classroom activities, school performances and social activities, not asking for help at school, and being very dependent on parents or caregivers. If your child has any of these symptoms, seek help from a professional psychiatrist for further assessment.
In addition, symptoms of fear, anxiety, or avoidance usually must last for at least six months before they can be diagnosed. These symptoms are not the result of physical illness or medication, and have caused severe pain and impaired social, occupational, or other important functions.
If left untreated, social phobia symptoms persist and can interfere with a child’s work, study, relationships, etc. Over time, this can lead to low self-esteem, negative thoughts, depression, sensitivity to criticism, and poor social skills that cannot be improved.
Pre-adolescent psychological education is essential
Introverts in the normal range don’t need treatment, and these people usually don’t want treatment. However, some of them may want to improve their social skills. Seek counseling for guidance.
First-line therapy is recommended for social phobia, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), especially for mild to moderate patients. If the disease is severe (such as comorbidity) or the response to CBT is poor, a combination of drugs may be considered. Patients should also be encouraged to reduce social avoidance and participate more in social activities.
Children with social phobia can also help themselves before embarking on other treatments:
Try to learn more about your anxiety by thinking or writing about your thoughts and how you behave in certain social situations.
Try some relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises, to reduce stress.
I try to slowly put yourself in the situation you are worried about, break down the challenging situation into smaller parts, and try to make each part feel easier.
Try to focus on what people are saying, rather than just assuming the worst.
Believe you give up safe actions, such as avoiding eye contact or speaking quietly.
I shift my attention.
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