Anxious and Healthy Adolescents Respond Differently to an Anxiety-provoking Situation

When anxious adolescents were anticipating evaluation from peers whom they had rated as less desirable—an anxiety-provoking situation—their scans showed increased activation of the amygdala, a fear processing, almond-shaped hub deep in the brain.

Behavioral Therapy Effectively Treats Children with Social Phobia

Social phobia, also called social anxiety disorder, is characterized by an extremely distressing fear of social situations, of being watched or judged by others, and of being embarrassed. Children with the disorder avoid everyday activities and situations such as playing with other kids, reading in class, and speaking to adults.

Feeling Anxious About an Upcoming Social Event? Here Are 4 Easy Tips That Can Help

Each of us, to some extent, has fears to conquer when it comes to handling social situations with poise, comfort, and confidence. Read on to get suggestions for remaining poised in any anxiety-provoking social situations that may be coming up for you during the holiday season.

"Shyness" or Social Phobia?

Millions of us experience symptoms of high anxiety in social situations. Although it's very treatable, a mere one in twenty of those who suffer with social phobia gets professional help. Among the many reasons why people don't seek treatment are not knowing that what they have has a "name" and that it can be treated; not knowing where or how to look for help; feeling demoralized that they have a problem they can't fix themselves; and/or mistakenly believing their social anxiety is simply caused by "shyness."

The Compelling Power of Cliques

Ideally, belonging to a set group of friends or "clique" can help a teen feel capable, cool and in control. Sometimes, however, the power of social cliques casts a dark shadow.

Overcoming Performance Anxieties

By Mitchell Milch, CSW

Performance anxieties are like fire alarms that signal danger. They appear to exist outside of us but, in truth, are projections of fear inspired recollections and/or apprehensions of what could’ve, should’ve or would’ve happened to us during childhood.

Is Social Phobia Keeping You From Enjoying Life?

By Stanley E. Hibbs, Ph.D.

In cognitive-behavioral therapy, you are taught how to control the physical symptoms (e.g. rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, muscle tension) that often accompany social phobia. You are also taught how to overcome your fears by developing more positive ways of thinking about the anxiety-provoking situation(s). Your therapist acts as a coach who encourages you throughout the whole process.