Parents of introverted children may wonder if their child is merely shy or may have a social phobia that can be treated. A study performed by the AAP (American Association of Pediatrics) in the November 2011 edition of Pediatrics delves into the differences between shyness and a social phobia and the importance of a correct diagnosis for treatment if a child is showing behaviors beyond normal bashfulness.

Here is more info on social phobias from the AAP in the November 2011 edition of Pediatrics:

ONE IN 10 SHY CHILDREN SUFFER FROM SOCIAL PHOBIA

Twelve percent of youth who identify themselves as shy may in fact have social phobia, a psychiatric disorder that can be treated. In a November 2011 Pediatrics study (published online Oct. 17), “Shyness Versus Social Phobia in U.S. Youth,” researchers sought to determine whether or not there was an overlap between shyness and social phobia, the frequency of social phobia and the degree to which shyness and social phobia differ, and the differences in prescribed medication use among youth with shyness and/or social phobia. Debate has recently surfaced over whether the diagnostic term social phobia “medicalizes” normal human shyness, resulting in unnecessary treatment, especially in youth. Researchers at the National Institute of Mental Health analyzed data from the National Comorbidity Study-Adolescent Supplement (NCS-A), a nationally representative, face-to-face survey of more than 10,000 teens ages 13 to 18, as well as more than 6,000 of their parents, on a series of mental disorders including social phobia. While 62.4 percent of parents stated that their adolescent was shy, only 46.7 percent of the youth reported themselves as such. Children with social phobia displayed significantly greater social impairment and were more likely to experience a multitude of psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, mood and behavior disorders; and substance abuse. They were not more likely than their same-age counterparts to be taking prescribed medication. The study provides evidence that social phobia is an impairing psychiatric disorder, beyond the range of normal, and that medication may be necessary and helpful in easing symptoms.

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