IST 605: Social Anxiety in Teens and Young Adults

According to Anxiety & Depression Association of America (n.d.), "the defining feature of a social anxiety disorder is intense anxiety or fear of being judged, negatively evaluated, or rejected in a social or performance situation." This can lead to avoiding situations that trigger these feelings and intense anxiety when one cannot avoid them (Mental Health Literacy, 2012). 

Social anxiety most often arises during the teen years.

Social anxiety can seriously interfere with many aspects of life, including school, work, friendships, and romantic relationships. It can also cause physical symptoms, such as rapid heart rate, stomach aches, and sweating (Anxiety Canada, 2017).