It's estimated that 13% of the population suffers from social phobia and is afraid of any situation in which they may be the focus of attention. These disorders often occur between the ages of 13 and 20 when adolescents are afraid and embarrassed to be in a group. The symptoms are usually sweating on the hands, trembling and an irrational fear of ridicule. This causes them to isolate themselves and try to avoid having to share space with others.
In 80s, the World Health Organization recognized social phobia as a disease that, if left untreated, could lead to depression or other physical or mental conditions such as generalized anxiety, alcohol dependence or eating disorders. Studies show that there may be a genetic predisposition to social phobia, but family influence is important when children become insecure and lack self-esteem.
Children who are bullied also often develop this phobia, in many cases don't know what to do, they have difficulties making friends and when they establish relationships they break them to avoid having to go to social gatherings.
Does this disease have treatment?
Fortunately, it does. Research conducted jointly by scientists from the John Hopkins School of Public Health at Oxford University and London University College evaluated the treatments that 13,000 social phobics had received, many of whom had been prescribed antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications, but the most effective long-term treatment was psychological re-education through behavioral therapy.