ANXIETY DISORDERS

1. Feeling nervous, restless or tense.

2. Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom.

3. Having an increased heart rate.

4. Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)

5. Sweating.

6. Trembling.

7. Feeling weak or tired.

8. Trouble concentrating or mind going blank

9. Restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge

10. Being easily fatigued

11. Irritability

12. Muscle tension

13. Sleep disturbance (difficulty falling or staying asleep, or sleep disturbance)

What does the common age of onset social anxiety disorder suggest?

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The common age of onset associated with social anxiety disorder, suggest that the disorder may affect many areas of the life of the individual experiencing it. It may result in a deficiency (s) in daily functioning and interpersonal relationships. Early intervention, based on the age of onset, may provide the best outcomes and prevent subsequent comorbidity and consequences. The most common age of onset for social anxiety disorder is mid-late adolescence, which may explain why this disorder is so severe and causes persistent fear and avoidance of social or performance circumstances where scrutiny or embarrassment may occur.

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What might it predict about that disorder?

The age of onset of social anxiety disorder suggests that the brain is still developing, which could contribute to a loss of psychological control and internal/interpersonal conflicts (e.g. confidence and self-esteem issues). It also indicates that social anxiety disorder in adolescent or young adulthood is a strong predictor of depression, substance misuse, and other prevalent comorbidities.

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What does the cultural and familial patterns social anxiety disorder suggest?

The cultural and familial patterns associated with social anxiety disorder suggest that some of the symptoms/ manifestations of the disorder differ across cultures, ethnic groups, and social status. For example, in some cultures, shyness or the avoidance of "gazing" may be regarded as a sign of respect or an effort to avoid making each other feel uncomfortable.

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What does the differential diagnosis social anxiety disorder suggest?

The differential diagnosis for social anxiety disorder states that shyness is not abnormal in and of itself, implying that a person must have symptoms that meet diagnostic criteria for the illness to be diagnosed. It also implies that anxiety must occur among peers, and that it involves a fear of social activities and situations that interfere with functioning.

Reference:

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: Author.