Table of ContentsAnxiety Research Paper OverviewIntroductionSocial Anxiety Disorder (SAD)ShynessCauses and DevelopmentEffects and ConsequencesConclusionSample Anxiety Research PaperThe Line fine line between social anxiety disorder and shynessAnxiety Research Paper OverviewIntroductionIntroduction to the Distinction Between Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) and ShynessSocial Anxiety Disorder (SAD) Definition and Characteristics of SAD Prevalence, Differences Between Genders and Age of Onset Comparison of Anticipatory Anxiety and Daily Struggles with SAD Physical and Psychological Symptoms of SAD Shyness Definition of Shyness Prevalence and Characteristics of Shyness Shyness in Social Situations and Its Effects Causes and DevelopmentFactors biological, psychological and environmental factors contributing to SADBiological and environmental factors leading to shynessDistinctive causes and triggers of SAD and shynessEffects and consequencesNegative effects of SAD on personal, academic and professional lifeThe impact of shyness on relationships, friendships and workSeverity of the consequences of SAD compared to shynessConclusionEmphasis on the importance of recognizing the differences between SAD and shyness to provide appropriate support and treatmentExample of research paper on anxietyThe fine line between social anxiety disorder and shynessHave you ever been nervous about meeting new people or giving a presentation in front of others? Most likely. But have you ever been so stressed about this situation that you avoid meeting people or never show up for the presentation? If so, you may be suffering from social anxiety disorder, also known as SAD. Often, people with SAD are misdiagnosed as shy. However, the distinction between the two is clear; shyness can make your life complicated, while social anxiety can stop it in its tracks (Shaw). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Social anxiety disorder is a condition that affects approximately 19.2 million Americans. SAD is defined as “an anxiety disorder in which a person experiences excessive and unreasonable fear of social situations. Anxiety (intense nervousness) and self-consciousness arise from the fear of being closely monitored, judged, and criticized by others” (social anxiety disorder). People with SAD “often suffer from “anticipatory” anxiety – fear of a situation before it even happens – for days or weeks before the event” (social anxiety disorder) . SAD is more common in women than men and "onsets most often in adolescence or early adulthood, but can occur at any time, including early childhood" (anxiety disorder social). Unfortunately, many people are unaware that this disorder even exists and often confuse SAD with shyness. Different from SAD, shyness is “a feeling of fear or discomfort caused by other people, especially in new situations or among strangers” (Heitz). It is estimated that ten percent of the American population is shy (Shelly-Jensen). As noted previously, shyness is elicited during new social situations rather than during everyday interactions with others, such as coworkers, friends, or partners. Simple conversations with familiar faces can be terribly distressing for people with SAD. Although SAD is less common than shynessUnited States, it deserves much more recognition because of its seriousness. SAD is regularly confused with shyness, but its symptoms and triggers are particularly distinct. The struggle of people with SAD goes beyond just being uncomfortable in typical social circumstances, such as speaking in front of a group or being the center of attention. People with this condition also suffer from the following daily activities: eating, drinking, writing or working in front of others; ask questions or report back as a group; use public toilets; talking on the phone (social anxiety disorder). While it is true that a person's anxiety lessens once they are removed from these situations, when left to their own thoughts, they overanalyze their supposed "flaws" and "mistakes." People with SAD struggle with a constant fear of being "closely monitored, judged, and criticized" as well as "making a mistake, looking bad, or being embarrassed or humiliated in front of others" (anxiety disorder). social). In many cases, people with SAD are aware that their apprehensions are irrational, but they are still unable to overcome them (social anxiety disorder). The behavioral and mental signs of SAD are accompanied by physical symptoms, such as "confusion, racing heart, sweating, trembling, blushing, muscle tension, stomach ache, and diarrhea" (social anxiety disorder). Intense anxiety can escalate into a panic attack, which involves "sudden feelings of terror that strike without warning... People who experience a panic attack may believe they are having a heart attack, that they are die or go crazy” (Panic attack symptoms). In social settings, such as parties and school, "shy people may feel awkward around others, but they usually do not feel the same extreme anxiety as someone with a speech disorder." social anxiety” (Social Anxiety Phobia Symptoms). Unlike SAD, the fear felt by a shy person does not constantly haunt them. Shy people may have difficulty “talking to people or expressing themselves when they have an opinion about something…[and participating] in conversations at important social events” (Everett) because they fear to be judged or rejected. They may also "[hesitate] to approach people, even to ask them small things (like directions) [because they] might stutter, feel awkward making eye contact or speaking in a voice so quiet that people have to ask [them] to repeat. [themselves]” (Everett). Those who are shy may “blush, tense up, feel [their] heart racing, or even feel trembling or nauseous” (Everett). Although they share similar feelings and symptoms, there is a fine line between temporary discomfort due to shyness and a constant fear of socializing due to SAD. The development of shyness and SAD is very different. Although there is no clear cause of SAD, "research suggests that biological, psychological, and environmental factors may play a role in its development" (social anxiety). Physical abnormalities that can lead to SAD are serotonin imbalances and an overactive amygdala, which can be hereditary. “Serotonin is a chemical found in the brain that helps regulate mood” and an amygdala is “a structure in the brain that controls the fear response and anxious feelings or thoughts” (Higuera). Psychological damage from bullying, family conflict and sexual abuse cancontribute to the development of TAS (Higuera). Regarding environmental factors, “social anxiety disorder may be a learned behavior. That is, you may develop this condition after witnessing the anxious behavior of others. Additionally, there may be an association between social anxiety disorder and parents being more controlling or protective of their children” (Mayo Clinic). The biological and environmental elements that can cause shyness differ from those of SAD. Statistically, "about 15 percent of infants are born with a tendency toward shyness" and "research has shown biological differences in the brains of shy people" (Heitz). Regarding social experiences, interactions with strict or controlling parents can make children shy. Children whose parents do not allow them to have experiences may have difficulty developing the skills needed to manage social situations. It should also be noted that children whose parents are shy may fake their behavior (Heitz). People don't just develop shyness during childhood or adolescence; public humiliation and highly critical work environments can cause shyness in adults (Heitz). Although the conditions for the development of SAD and shyness are both negative, the circumstances of SAD are obviously more serious. Both SAD and shyness come with harmful and negative effects that, if left untreated, can last a lifetime. For example: Friendships are very important for a child's emotional development, but shy children have difficulty forming and maintaining friendships because they lack the necessary social skills. Children who are afraid of social situations may avoid them all together, leading to loneliness (Zolten & Long). Because others may misinterpret shy people as aloof, disinterested, or arrogant, their peers may avoid them, thereby worsening their isolation (Zolten and Long). According to Zolten and Long, "many shy children have difficulty asserting themselves [and], as a result, are often taken advantage of by their peers or pressured into doing things they do not want to do" (Zolten and Long). Shy children not only have difficulty expressing their affirmations, but also their emotions. Because they often do not learn to express themselves properly, shy children often suppress their emotions (Zolten & Long). In addition to social problems, shy people may also suffer academically. Since “shy children are often reluctant to ask their teachers for help when they need it…questions that shy children may have often go unanswered (Zolten and Long). Similarly, “social anxiety disorder can negatively interfere with a person's normal daily routine, including school, work, social activities, and relationships” (social anxiety disorder). For example, children with SAD may have difficulty transitioning from home to school, leading to late arrivals, long, tearful mornings, tantrums at school, or refusal to go to school (social phobia (social anxiety disorder)). Children with SAD may also have "difficulty concentrating [in school] due to persistent worry," which affects "various school activities, from following directions and completing homework to to attention, especially before stressful events such as giving a speech in class.” or even sitting with unfamiliar peers in a school group or event” (Social phobia (disorder.