Risk Factors for Social Anxiety Disorder
A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition.
It is possible to develop
social anxiety disorder
with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing social anxiety disorder. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your doctor what you can do to reduce your risk.
Risk factors for social anxiety disorder include the following:
Age
The disorder typically begins in childhood or early adolescence. It rarely develops after age 25.
Genetics
Rates of social anxiety disorder are higher in first degree relatives. Genetic influence is estimated to be between 30% to 40%.
Medical Diseases
People with
asthma
are at an increased risk for social anxiety disorder. People with the following conditions are also at increased risk:
- Heart disease
- Difficulty seeing or hearing
- Painful condition
Childhood Experiences
Childhood experiences associated with an increased risk of social anxiety disorder include: physical or
sexual abuse
, early separation from parents, and difficulties in school.
References
Morris EP, Stewart SH, Ham LS. The relationship between social anxiety disorder and alcohol use disorders: a critical review.
Clin Psychol Rev.
2005;25:734-760.
Schneier FR. Clinical practice. Social anxiety disorder.
N Engl J Med.
2006;355:1029-1036.
Social anxiety disorder (social phobia). Anxiety Disorders of America website. Available at:
http://www.adaa.org/GettingHelp/AnxietyDisorders/SocialPhobia.asp
.
Updated October 2008. Accessed October 30, 2008.
Social phobia (social anxiety disorder). National Institute of Mental Health
website. Available at:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/anxiety-disorders/social-phobia-social-anxiety-disorder.shtml
.
Updated October 2008. Accessed October 30, 2008.