The symptoms of social anxiety disorder (SAD) reflect a fear of being embarassed or humiliated in front of others. There are three broad categories of symptoms: cognitive (what you think), physical (what you feel), and behavioral (what you do). Cognitive symptoms are the thoughts and beliefs that perpetuate social anxiety. Physical symptoms are the bodily reactions to anxiety that occur when you are in an anxiety-provoking situation. Behavioral symptoms refer to the fear and avoidance behaviors that are common among those with SAD.
Cognitive Symptoms
Physical Symptoms
- blushing
- sweating
- shaking
- muscle tension
- trembling voice
- shortness of breath
- dry mouth
- a racing heart
- disorientation
Behavioral Symptoms
- dropping classes
- turning down promotions
- quitting jobs
- avoiding friendships
- avoiding intimacy
- using alcohol to cope
Symptoms of SAD in Children
The symptoms of SAD in children vary somewhat from those experienced by adults, and depend on the age of the child. While a pre-schooler may cry or cling to a parent when in the company of strangers, a teenager may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope. If you suspect that your child is suffering from social anxiety, look at the symptom list for the appropriate age group and see whether they sound like your child.
Pre-school Children
- fear or lack of interest in new things
- cries, whines or appears irritable
- freezes up or clings to parent
- shy around new people
- refuses to participate or speak
School-Aged Children
- sits alone at lunch
- doesn’t join in at recess
- worries excessively about being evaluated or judged
- does not participate in after-school activities
- does not like school or refuses to go
- is uncomfortable being the center of attention
- mumbles or avoids eye contact
Teenagers
- skips school and/or uses drugs or alcohol
- fears performance situations such as public speaking
- difficulties dating or problems with a job
- fear of using public restrooms
- fear of signing name in public
Sources:
American Psychiatric Association. (1994) Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
Hales, R.E., & Yudofsky, S.C. (Eds.). (2003). The American psychiatry publishing textbook of clinical psychiatry. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric.
Anxiety Disorders Association of British Columbia. (2007). Social Anxiety Disorder. 31 July 2007.
