Why is Social Anxiety a problem?

WHY IS SOCIAL ANXIETY A PROBLEM?

Social anxiety can greatly impair how you live your life. It has been seen that adolescents with social anxiety are more likely to have other anxiety disorders, depression, and substance abuse (Burstein, Ameli-Grillon, & Merikangas, 2011). People with schizophrenia also have a higher incidence of social anxiety as well (Norton, 2010). Social anxiety disorder is also a risk factor for alcohol and drug dependence. This can be a special problem in the adolescent and college years when such behavior is common. People with SAD are 2 times more likely to have alcohol dependence than those without SAD (Alfano & Beidel, 2011). SAD can also interfere with work and school attendance. This can lead to poor academic achievement or employment problems. The isolation and loneliness can contribute to depression and be a risk factor for suicide (Nepon, Belik, Bolton, & Sareen, 2010).