The causes of social phobia are not something that should be taken lightly or brushed to the side as unimportant. People who have social phobia, also known as social anxiety, find it difficult to seek medical treatment because they do not like the thought of entering a public place for help or sharing their problems with someone else. Those who have the condition endure up to 10 years of torment before they go to a psychiatrist. There are different causes of social phobia and there are various treatments that correspond to each of the causes. If you or someone you know is suffering from the disorder, you may want to check out the probable causes before making any major decisions. It is very important to understand the different causes of social phobia.

The causes of social phobia can range from biological to emotional. Here are some of the known factors that could predispose you to having a social phobia or anxiety:

1. Genetics. Parents who suffer from social phobia can transfer the disorder to their offspring. Studies have shown the presence of the gene that can trigger shyness among infants and adolescents. 10 to 15% of adolescents who were irritable as infants became extremely introverted when they grew older. Another study has pointed out the contribution of physiological aspects when it comes to anxiety-laden children. Those who have a high resting heart rate tend to be at greater risk of becoming socially anxious.

2. Developmental Problems. There are many theories in psychiatry that can support this principle. The psychosocial development theory of Erik Erikson, for example, states that a person requires a sense of trust to be able to grow properly. Infants who failed at this stage of development tend to be anxious around other people. Traumatic incidents that placed the children under embarrassing situations also fall under this category. Among the causes of social phobia, developmental problems are the most common.

3. Chemical Imbalances in the Brain. Misfiring of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, GABA, and norepinephrine, can cause disturbances in the thought patterns of the individual. If you are suffering from social phobia due to this cause, the treatment is more intensive.

To treat the disorder, the psychiatrist will first verify which of the causes of social phobia has afflicted the individual. If it is a life-traumatic event or a failure in development, the treatment will focus more on counseling. Counseling will help the patient get rid of their negative thoughts and challenge their behavior to facilitate a recovery. The patient will also be taught how to associate with people so that they will not be anxious in public. If the phobia is caused by genetics or chemical imbalances, the medical expert will prescribe medications to relieve the anxiety experienced. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs are used for this condition and require constant monitoring. They should not be self-prescribed.

Knowing the causes of social phobia will help determine the root of the problem for the patient. As a result, more effective treatments can be administered. However, this does not mean treatment is easy. Treatment for social phobia requires the patient to be as cooperative as possible. Inconsistency with treatments can lead to a worsening of the condition and the onset of more serious signs and symptoms. If it is not altogether obvious, it is worthwhile for a sufferer to seek professional help to determine their causes of social phobia.

George Hunter is a writer and blogger about Social Anxiety Disorder and other anxiety related topics. He has created a website resource to help fellow sufferers find a solution to their problem. Why not have a look at http://www.SocialAnxietyDisorderGuide.com to find out more about what Social Anxiety does to you.

George Hunter is a writer and blogger about Social Anxiety Disorder and other anxiety related topics. He has created a website resource to help fellow sufferers find a solution to their problem. Why not have a look at http://www.SocialAnxietyDisorderGuide.com to find out more about Social Anxiety

Author Bio: George Hunter is a writer and blogger about Social Anxiety Disorder and other anxiety related topics. He has created a website resource to help fellow sufferers find a solution to their problem. Why not have a look at http://www.SocialAnxietyDisorderGuide.com to find out more about what Social Anxiety does to you.

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Keywords: Causes Of Social Phobia, causes of social anxiety, social phobia, social anxiety disorder