Social phobia is an anxiety disorder in which a person experiences an excessive and irrational fear of social situations and has difficulty in carrying out life activities. It is manifested by a belief that one is being closely observed, judged and criticized by others, and if it is too strong, it can incapacitate the person. For this reason, the person cannot cope with behaviors or situations such as public speaking, meeting new people, entering social environments (weddings, entertainment, parties, funerals, etc.), initiating a friendship with the opposite sex, eating in public, using public toilets (especially urinals for men), talking to people in authority, opposing the opinions of others, etc. In these situations, he/she runs away or tries to hide himself/herself, and then may start to avoid entering these environments.
The development of social phobia in children is mostly seen in the form of avoiding establishing relationships with strangers, being afraid of saying the wrong thing and expressing oneself. These children avoid making friends with people other than their own family and acquaintances. The presence of strangers in the environment causes the child to feel severe anxiety, distress, restlessness and shyness.
Using the Social Anxiety Scale in Children will be functional in the treatment process.
Symptoms of social anxiety in children
Physical symptoms
- Sleep disturbance
- Numbness
- Stretching of muscles
- Tingles
- Continuously increased blood pressure
- Constant dilation of the pupils during a situation
- Sudden sweating
- Frequent trips to the toilet
- Vomiting
- Stuttering when speaking
- Feeling tired
The most important point in the treatment of anxiety in children is how it affects the child's daily life. This point is important. Medication can be administered by a specialist psychiatrist in children with high anxiety and in children for whom psychotherapy is not effective and who are not predisposed to it.
Psychotherapy is the preferred method before medication in the treatment of anxiety. The treatment of anxiety disorders in children is cognitive behavioral therapies supported by psychodynamic theory and technique.
Play therapies are effective in the treatment of anxiety in children. Treatments with play and drawing can also provide information to the specialist about the underlying anxiety.
Instead of anxious thoughts, parents should show love and attention to children. In this way, we teach children trust and love, and the communication between the family and the child is strengthened.
