Statistics of Social Anxiety in Kindergarten Age Children Advocate Early Intervention

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is characterized by intense fear, extreme self-consciousness and debilitating anxiety in public situations. Socially anxious individuals suffer in virtually all social situations in every aspect of their lives every day. It is difficult or impossible for them to meet new people, interact with strangers, go shopping, or participate in any social activities.

Social anxiety is the third most common mental health disorder in the United States. Despite its prevalence, SAD is one of the most frequently misdiagnosed psychological disorders. It is estimated that individuals suffering from social phobia face a 90% chance of misdiagnosis. There is a surprisingly small amount of information on SAD circulated both in the general public and among the medical and mental health care communities. Although it is quite treatable, the chances of an adult actually seeking help and receiving proper treatment for SAD are extremely small.

Social Anxiety and Children: The Research

Left untreated, social anxiety often leads to isolation and extreme loneliness. Children who are painfully shy and cannot interact positively with others grow up to be teenagers and young adults who continue to suffer. They are much more likely to struggle with alcohol or drug abuse and addiction over the course of their lifetime. They are also at an increased risk for developing other psychological problems, and may even become suicidal.

More and more attention is being given to early SAD diagnosis and treatment that can help prevent a lifetime of suffering. Traditionally, social phobia was thought to develop at adolescent age. Today, research suggests as many as 40% of SAD cases begin before the age of 10, while 95% are manifest by the age of 20.

Statistics of social anxiety in kindergarten age boys and girls indicates a prevalence rate of 4%. Although the number of studies and statistics on childhood social anxiety disorder is minimal, they do suggest an earlier opportunity for intervention than previously imagined.

What Do Children With Social Phobias Fear the Most?

According to one study, children with SAD fear situations that can be divided among two major areas (Beidel et al., 1999 as cited by Wagner, 1999 ). The first involves public performance; the second consists of situations involving routine social interaction. More than 50% of children with social phobia feared:

• Reading aloud in class


• Writing on the blackboard


• Participating in public performances (such as sports or concerts)


• Participating in a conversation


• Talking to adults or authority figures


• Initiating a conversation

It may seem to parents and teachers that virtually all children experience at least some initial shyness in one or more of these situations. The degree and consistency with which a child reacts is what may indicate a more serious problem. SAD does not fade with time: the statistics of social anxiety in kindergarten age children indicate it is not something that can be outgrown or overcome without intervention.

How can a child showing the early indications of SAD be helped? The most important step for SAD treatment at any age is a correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment under the care of a mental health professional. Parents and other close family members can then learn to provide the right kind of assistance. Teachers may also help by providing appropriate interventions and encouragement when a child is experiencing the most difficulty. With consistent, appropriate treatment, recovery is not only possible, but probable.

References:

Beidel DC, Turner SM, Morris TL (1999), Psychopathology of childhood social phobia. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 38(6):643-650.

Wagner, KD (1999). Unspoken suffering: Social anxiety disorder in children. Psychiatric Times, online edition. Vol. XVI (9).