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.