Common Behaviors in Children With Social Phobias

Physical Symptoms

• Children with social phobia actually feel physically afraid when they̵7;re around people other than family members and close friends. Their hearts race and breathing might become irregular. Twitching, shaking and sweating excessively are additional physical symptoms a child can experience. A rush of adrenaline causes these symptoms as the body reacts the same as it would to a physical danger. While symptoms are part of the normal fight-flight response, it isn't normal to feel so fearful.

Common Fears

• Because a child with social phobia suffers exaggerated fears, she might avoid most social settings, which can foster feelings of loneliness. To make matters worse, other children see these kids as being backward, withdrawn or unfriendly. Social phobia can interfere with friendships, schoolwork and extracurricular activities. A child might be fearful of playing with other children, trying new experiences and meeting new people. Kids with social phobia often feel too nervous to read aloud, answer questions in the classroom, talk to teachers or try out for a team sport. They are afraid they will embarrass themselves, look silly, be criticized or be laughed at. Younger children tend to cry and throw temper tantrums when they feel afraid in a social environment.

Phobia Types

• The Child Mind Institute notes that social phobia takes two forms. Some children are afraid of circumstances that put attention on them and usually avoid activities such as playing in the school band, being in a school play, talking in front of the class or participating in a sport. Others suffer interactional social anxiety where they are afraid to go to school or be in public places. While most kids with social interaction anxiety have performance social phobia, children with either type need professional help. The disorder doesn't usually go away by itself and if it goes untreated, a child often develops chronic anxiety and depression.

Coping Skills

• Behavioral therapy is used to help children with social phobia. A therapist works with a child to help her conquer her fears and improve her social skills. Building confidence helps a child overcome the fear of new settings and people she doesn̵7;t know. Doctors also sometimes prescribe medications to reduce anxiety. Medications are frequently used in combination with behavioral therapy as treatment. However, the findings of a study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health suggest that while drugs help some kids with social phobia, behavioral therapy is a more effective treatment to which more children respond. Results of the study were published in the December 2007 issue of the ̶0;Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.̶1;