Youth Anxiety Disorders

Abstract

Social fear is a rapidly developing epidemic that is expected to influence young people overwhelmingly. In this study we investigate the prevalence of social anxiety around the world by means of a survey of 6,825 individuals in seven countries chosen for their cultural and economic diversity: Brazil, China, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, the USA and Vietnam. (M = 22,83, Women = 3,442, South = 3,428, Other = 55,) aged 16 – 29 years (M = 22,84, SD = 3,97), The respondents completed the scale of social contact (SIAS). There has been a considerably higher global prevalence of social anxiety than previously reported and more than 1 in 3 (36%) people meet the threshold criteria.The prevalence and severity of the symptoms of social anxiety were not gender-based, but varies depending on the age, region, employment status, education and whether a person was living in the city and rural areas. In addition, 1 in 6 (18%) thought that they had no social anxiety, but nevertheless reached or surpassed the SAD threshold. The data show that social anxiety affects young adults worldwide, many of whom don't understand the obstacles they face. Many young people may encounter significant operational and well-being problems, which can be changed by proper training and procedure.