Social Anxiety: A Review of the Literature
Abstract
Social anxiety is a mental health disorder characterized by fear and avoidance of social situations. This review aims to explore the current understanding of social anxiety and its associated symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options. Studies suggest that social anxiety is a highly prevalent disorder, with 12.1% of the United States population affected. Cognitive-behavioral and pharmacological treatment options are available, with both showing some efficacy in reducing symptoms. Research suggests that while social anxiety is a highly treatable disorder, many individuals do not seek professional help, leading to a need for increased awareness and efforts to reduce the stigma of mental health issues.
Keywords: social anxiety, prevalence, treatment, stigma
Introduction
Social anxiety is a mental health disorder characterized by fear and avoidance of social situations. It can range from mild to severe, with individuals experiencing fear and discomfort in social settings such as public speaking, meeting new people, or speaking in a group (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Social anxiety is one of the most common mental health disorders in the United States, with an estimated 12.1% of the population affected (Kessler et al., 2012). This review aims to explore the current understanding of social anxiety and its associated symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options.
Symptoms
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5) defines social anxiety disorder (SAD) as an excessive fear of social or performance situations in which embarrassment or humiliation may occur (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). This fear leads to avoidance of these situations or enduring them with intense fear and discomfort. Common symptoms of social anxiety include blushing, sweating, trembling, difficulty speaking, nausea, and racing heart (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Risk Factors
Research suggests that social anxiety is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors (Olatunji et al., 2012). Studies have found that individuals with a family history of social anxiety are more likely to develop the disorder (van Ameringen et al., 2005). Additionally, environmental factors, such as early social experiences, peer interactions, and bullying, are associated with an increased risk of developing social anxiety (Hazen & Stein, 2013).
Prevalence
Social anxiety is one of the most common mental health disorders, with a lifetime prevalence rate of 12.1% (Kessler et al., 2012). Studies suggest that individuals with SAD are more likely to experience other mental health disorders, such as major depressive disorder, panic disorder, and substance abuse (Kessler et al., 2012).
Treatment
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most commonly used treatment for social anxiety disorder, and is considered to be the most effective (Ginsburg et al., 2016). CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to social anxiety (Ginsburg et al., 2016). Pharmacological treatments, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), are also effective in reducing symptoms of social anxiety (Kroenke et al., 2007).
Conclusion
Social anxiety is a highly prevalent mental health disorder that is associated with significant distress and impairment in functioning. Cognitive-behavioral and pharmacological treatments are available, with both showing some efficacy in reducing symptoms. Research suggests that while social anxiety is a highly treatable disorder, many individuals do not seek professional help, leading to a need for increased awareness and efforts to reduce the stigma of mental health issues.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
Ginsburg, G. S., Pinto, A., & Hofmann, S. G. (2016). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for social anxiety disorder: A meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 45, 1-12.
Hazen, A. L., & Stein, M. B. (2013). Social anxiety disorder: A concise overview of nature, assessment, and treatment. The Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 36, 411-423.
Kessler, R. C., Berglund, P., Demler, O., Jin, R., Merikangas, K. R., & Walters, E. E. (2005). Lifetime prevalence and age-of-onset distributions of DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Archives of General Psychiatry, 62, 593-602.
Kroenke, K., Spitzer, R. L., & Williams, J. B. (2007). The PHQ-9: Validity of a brief depression severity measure. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 17, 606-613.
Olatunji, B. O., Ciesielski, B. G., & Deacon, B. J. (2012). Risk factors for social anxiety disorder: A meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 32, 71-83.
Van Ameringen, M., Mancini, C., Pipe, B., Bennett, M., & Oakman, J. (2005). Family history of anxiety disorders in social phobia. American Journal of Psychiatry, 162, 1175-1177.