One of the most common anxiety disorders in children is Social Anxiety Disorder, also known as social phobia.
It happens when a child has intense fear of certain social situations such as a recital in which he feels he is being judged or evaluated by others.
A child may become frightened to these situations that he would absolutely anything just to avoid it.
This fear of social or performance situation is classified as a generalized social anxiety disorder.
For other people, they have specific social phobias that vary from person to person.
It is usually triggered by meeting new people; being the center of attention; being watched; initiating small talk; oral recitations; dates; phone conversation; usage of public bathrooms; public speaking; examinations; on-stage performance; eating or drinking in public; participating in a meeting; being criticized; parties; or talking with authority figures.
However, getting anxious to these kinds of social situations does not mean that you already have a social anxiety disorder or social phobia.
It only becomes one if it already interferes with daily functioning, daily routine, and causes distress to the person.
Social phobias are believed to have different causes.
One cause would be genetics.
They say anxiety disorders are inherited.
It doesn't necessarily have to be a social anxiety disorder, but, any type of anxiety disorder that the parents have.
It can also be caused by environmental factors such as a speech or language problems; disfiguring physical illness; abuse; neglect; being raised by anxious people; and experiencing something really embarrassing during a social situation such as vomiting in a show and tell.
Social phobias usually manifest emotionally.
One would feel very self-conscious and would get really anxious in everyday social situations.
He would become really anxious for an upcoming social situation.
He fears being watched or judged by others and fears acting in certain ways that would embarrass him.
He would also fear that others would eventually notice his anxiety.
It would also manifest physically.
There would be reddening or blushing of the face; shortness of breath; GI upset; trembling; palpitations; diaphoresis or hot flashes; and feeling dizzy or faint.
Lastly, social phobia would also manifest behaviorally.
One would avoid social situations where in he would limit his activities and disrupt his way of life.
He would remain quiet and hide at the back to remain unnoticed or avoid embarrassment.
And, he always feels the need to bring a friend along wherever he goes.