Kids and Social Anxiety Disorder

“Anxiety in children is originally nothing other than an expression of the fact they are feeling the loss of the person they love” - Sigmund Freud

The above passage is in actual fact one of the most admired line of Sigmund Freud. It appears that, even during the time of the father of Psychoanalysis the prevalence of mild and chronic anxiety is evidently observed that several studies were conducted to discover the real cause of anxiety. Freud believed that anxiety is caused by past traumas. Thanks to the advancement of research and science, doctors and health care experts observed further causes and types of anxiety.

Freud's belief about kids anxiety has open a lot of opportunities to study the disorder and to come up with brand new and innovative treatments. With the recurrent study of medical practitioners about the disorder the types and causes of anxiety are clearly identified. Experts also found out that one of the most common types of anxiety is seen among kids and it is classified as Social Anxiety Disorder or SAD.

But what is Social Anxiety Disorder or SAD?

Around 40% of social phobias begin before the child turns 10 and approximately 95% starts before the child reach 20. A child with SAD is suffering from intense fear in group situations. This immense fear is blocking a child from performing normal ADLs or activities of daily living.

Factors That Causes The Disorder

SAD or Social Anxiety Disorder in children is caused by a lot of factors. Two of them are listed below.

Hereditary
According to examination and studies, anxiety disorders are inherited. A child is prone when either his mother or dad or equally is distress from an anxiety disorder, although not necessarily SAD or Social Anxiety Disorder.

Social And Upbringing Causes
Environment causes can point to body blemish, amputation, negligence or physical cruelty by parents or care takers. Social factors can be past trauma that can contribute to the uncommunicative attitude of the child like experiencing very excruciating situations in school or at play.

Symptoms Of SAD - How To Ascertain If Your Child Is Experiencing SAD

Here are some of the most common symptoms of SAD in children. Being fearful around people is one of the most apparent symptoms. Other symptoms that are observed in kids with social anxiety are poor eye contact, numbing, crying, excessive clinging, refusing to attend academy, devoting time and energy to computer games, locking his room, spending a lot of time being isolated, refusing to partake in class and other activities like deliberations and show and tell.
Then again, if you see your child exhibiting these symptoms do not assume that he is already suffering from the condition. Assess your child further. He just may not be feeling well that is why he is refusing to attend school. You may want to check if he is queasy. With that said, it is really critical to have good and open communication with your child. So that you know if your child is indisposed or if he is under too much pressure and stress.

Home Management - What Parents Can Do

Before performing any interventions, you ought to examine your child's behaviors first. Admit that there is a problem. Sit with your child and talk. Encourage him to speak and to open up. You may want to develop his confidence. Sit with your child and read him a book. Ask questions afterwards. Show that you care and that you support him. Do not be condemnatory. It will only bring your son down.

Confidently, there are many things parents and significant others can do to help the child cope up with social anxiety. Nonetheless, for accurate prognosis and for a more practical management plan, it is better to consult a general practitioner or a local public child and adolescent mental health service.

Social anxiety forum offers help and support to those suffering from social phobia. Pay a quick visit to the website to share your stories, ideas, insights and useful facts about social phobia.