You want your child to thrive in social situations. But for some, social anxiety can pose significant challenges. Social anxiety in teens and children is more than just shyness. It is a persistent fear of social situations, often leading to distress and avoidance behaviors.
Recognizing the symptoms of social anxiety is critical. And it can be challenging to spot. Left untreated, social anxiety can impact educational and social development, making it crucial to identify and address these concerns as soon as possible.
In this article, we’ll go over the signs and symptoms of social anxiety in children and teens and delve into available treatment options.
What is Social Anxiety?
Social anxiety disorder, also called social phobia, is a mental health condition characterized by an intense and persistent fear of social situations. For your child or teenager, navigating the social landscape can be particularly challenging. They are in the formative years of their development, and when you throw social anxiety into the mix, it’s even more difficult.
Social anxiety in teens and children often manifests as a debilitating fear of being judged, criticized, or embarrassed in social settings. This could include school, extracurricular activities, and social gatherings.
This anxiety disorder can stem from childhood experiences, genetics, and the environment. Social anxiety may make engaging in everyday social interactions hard for kids and teens. Fear of being watched or judged can cause avoidance. This worsens the problem and hinders social and emotional growth.
Common Symptoms of Social Anxiety In Teens and Children
Adolescents and teenagers can be challenging to read. They are already going through a very transformational time in their lives, dealing with ever-changing hormones and body changes.
So, how do you know if your teen or child has social anxiety?
There are several symptoms to watch out for, from physical to psychological and avoidant behaviors. Recognizing the signs is the first step to identifying and addressing social anxiety effectively.
Here are the most common signs to look for:
Physical Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder
- heart palpitations
- shortness of breath
- nausea
- diarrhea
- out-of-body experiences
- muscle tension
- confusion
- dizziness
- sweating
Psychological Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder
- fear of being judged
- worrying about embarrassing or humiliating oneself
- fear of interacting with strangers
- anticipating terrible outcomes when interacting with others
- constantly criticizing or judging oneself
- avoiding situations where one may be the center of attention
- fear of embarrassing physical symptoms like sweating, trembling, or blushing
- fear of offending others
- finding “flaws” in one’s interactions with others
Avoidant Behavioral Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder
Children and teens with social anxiety may avoid:
- talking to strangers
- using public restrooms
- eating in public
- going to work
- going on dates
- starting a conversation
- looking others in the eye
- walking into a room where everyone is seated
- attending school
- going to large social events or parties
- returning purchases in person
The Impact of Social Anxiety on Teens and Children
Social anxiety disorder can have detrimental effects on many aspects of your child’s life. Many teens and children with social anxiety struggle with academic performance, social development, and overall well-being. Of course, every child is different, so your child may not be affected in all these areas. But the aspects of their life that are affected can have far-reaching consequences.
- Academically: If your child has social anxiety, it may hinder their class participation. They may struggle to join discussions, work on group projects, or raise their hand to ask questions. This can lead to missed learning opportunities, lower academic achievement, and a sense of isolation in the school environment.
- Socially: Social anxiety in teens and children can cause them to struggle with forming and maintaining meaningful friendships. They are often driven by the fear of being judged or rejected, preventing them from engaging in social activities. This can lead to feelings of loneliness, exclusion, and a lack of social support, further worsening their anxiety and emotional development.
- Psychologically: Teens and children with social anxiety disorder may experience heightened levels of stress, low self-esteem, and even depression. The constant fear of social situations can harm your child’s mental health. It makes it hard for them to enjoy life.
- Physically: In some cases, social anxiety can also have physical consequences, such as psychosomatic symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, or muscle tension. These physical manifestations can further compound your child’s distress and lead to a vicious cycle of anxiety and avoidance.
Treatment Options for Social Anxiety Disorder in Children and Teens
Addressing social anxiety in kids and teens requires a multifaceted approach. It must combine various evidence-based treatments to meet your child’s unique needs. The most common proven-effective treatment options for teens and children include the following:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Social Anxiety
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is widely recognized as the gold standard treatment for social anxiety disorder in teens and children. This approach focuses on identifying and modifying negative thought patterns and maladaptive behaviors contributing to your child’s social anxiety.
During CBT sessions, your child’s therapist, like our pediatric psychiatrists in San Diego, will work with your teen or child to help them recognize and challenge their irrational fears and beliefs about social situations. They may also use exposure therapy. It gradually exposes your child to their feared situations. This helps them confront and overcome anxiety in a controlled, supportive setting.
CBT can help your child manage anxiety and build confidence. It teaches them healthy coping skills, like relaxation techniques and social skills. This evidence-based approach is very effective. It reduces social anxiety and improves functioning in children and teens.
Medication Options for Treating Social Anxiety
In some cases, medication may be a complementary treatment option for social anxiety in teens and children. This is particularly true when they have severe symptoms or when CBT alone does not provide sufficient relief.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed medications for social anxiety in this age group. Medications like fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and paroxetine (Paxil) have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of social anxiety in teens and children.
It is important to note that the use of medication for social anxiety in younger individuals must be carefully monitored by your child’s pediatric psychiatrist in San Diego. At BOLD Health, we will thoroughly consider your child’s needs and developmental stage when prescribing medication.
Self-Help Strategies for Managing Social Anxiety Disorder
In addition to professional treatment from a psychiatrist for teens and children in San Diego, there are several self-help strategies teens and children with social anxiety can incorporate into their lives to manage their symptoms.
Some of these include the following:
- Relaxation Techniques: Deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness meditation can help calm your child’s mind and body when faced with anxiety-provoking social situations.
- Regular physical activity: Exercise and physical activity can help reduce stress and boost mood, which can be beneficial for managing social anxiety disorder.
- Establishing a strong support network: Whether through family, friends, or social support groups, your child or teen should have a solid support network. This can be a valuable resource where they can share their experiences and connect with others who understand their challenges. A strong support network can also reduce feelings of isolation and provide a sense of community.
- Fostering positive self-talk and challenging negative thought patterns: These two self-help strategies can empower your child to reframe their perspective and build self-confidence. Encourage them to celebrate their successes, no matter how small, and to be kind to themselves. This can be a powerful tool on their journey to overcome social anxiety.
You Can Trust Our Psychiatrists for Teens and Children in San Diego at BOLD Health
Social anxiety in children and teens is complex and requires a compassionate and holistic approach. Our pediatric psychiatrists are up for the challenge and very experienced in working with teens and children dealing with all sorts of mental health concerns, including social anxiety disorder.
At BOLD Health, we take a holistic approach to treating your child. When we curate the ideal treatment plan, we’ll consider their unique needs, genetic makeup, and what makes them who they are. Whether that includes individual therapy, group therapy, medication management, or a combination of approaches, we’ll help your teenager or child overcome their social anxiety challenges.
Don’t let social anxiety disorder rob your teen or child of having a fulfilling, exciting, and enjoyable social life. Contact us to learn more about our therapeutic options and set up an appointment with one of our psychiatrists for teens and children. Let’s get your child on the track to life fulfillment!