Social Phobia Risk Factors
What is Social Phobia?
Social phobia is a disorder in which a person feel awkward in a social gathering where he or she feels like he or she is being scrutinized by others around them. People with social phobias tend to isolate themselves from others due to fear of being judged by other people in terms of the way they look, speak or dress.. If you believe that you are a victim of social phobia, then you will be able to relate to this article…
Social Phobia Risk Factors
Social phobia can extend from a variety of different risk factors. These factors lay the foundation for a social phobia to fester in a person. The following are common risks of social phobia:
- Age - Social phobia tends to develop in early childhood and teenage periods. This disorder is highly unlikely to develop in adults over the age of 25. A traumatic event such as being a victim of bullying or unspeakable acts can ignite this disorder and remain active all the way into adulthood.
- Environment - Due to the traumatic experience from childhood and adolescent years, the feelings of judgment linger into adulthood causing the person to become tense around others. Although the disorder begins earlier in life, the feelings of paranoia remain in the present as if they just occurred. These feelings tend to worsen as time passes if left untreated.
- Sex - Social Phobia can affect women and men equally, although women are found to be more emotional with this disorder.
- Genetic Background - Studies have shown that someone who suffers from social phobia most likely has a family member with the same disorder. The family member can be an immediate family member such as a parent or a distant cousin.
- Use of Alcohol and Drugs - In order to cope with social phobia, some people may drink ample amounts of alcohol or use drugs to take the edge off before entering a social setting. This practice is not the healthy route, but those who are unaware of the available treatment use this as an escape to avoid situations that are accompanied by discomfort..
Outcome if Social Phobia is Left Untreated
If left untreated, people suffering from this disorder can become trapped in the pitfalls of the social phobia risks factors. They tend to do the following
- Become more isolated from family and friends
- Have a hard time holding a job in a regular office setting
- Avoid social events and public places
- Use alcohol and drugs to achieve a calm feeling
- Sink deeper and deeper in an abyss of loneliness
So many people are unaware of the treatment available for social phobia. With the help of counseling and medication, social phobia can be stabilized and allow people to live among the living. They will be able to interact with others without fear and maintain a normal social life.
