How does social anxiety disorder differ in children vs. adolescents?
In children, it manifests itself with freezing, selective mutism (refusing to speak in public), tantrums or never leaving the mother’s side at a birthday party. Adolescents exhibit symptoms like not participating in after-school activities, never talking in class or they’ll never return something in a store or talk to a person of authority for fear of being embarrassed. Seventy-five percent of adolescents with social anxiety disorder report no or few friends, 50 percent have no extracurricular activities and 10 percent refuse to attend school regularly. What symptoms should pediatricians look for during an office visit? Children and teens often deny their symptoms, so it’s important to ask the parents. Basically, you look for extreme shyness that’s causing significant interference with a child’s normal development and quality of life. Questions should include: Does Johnny avoid going to parties or joining clubs? Does Johnny avoid talking to classmates or to people he doesn’t know well?
