Social Anxiety in Adolescents and Young Adults: Translating Developmental Science into Practice

During adolescence, the physical, cognitive, and behavioral hallmarks of social anxiety disorder (SAD) often make their first appearance. This developmental period is characterized by rapid physical growth and sexual maturation, as well as unique emotional and cognitive developments and underlying neurological changes. At the same time, increasing social demands, peer pressure, romantic interests, hormonal changes, and greater independence present a dizzying and sometimes overwhelming array of challenges. Although symptoms of social anxiety are common in adolescents, only recently have researchers begun to examine the problem in this age group. Fortunately, an increasing number of studies have uncovered important nuances in the development and presentation of social anxiety symptoms and SAD in adolescents and young adults. This book assesses the implications of the research for both researchers and clinicians who want to provide the latest and most up-to-date treatments for their anxiety-plagued patients. The contributors to this book examine social anxiety in the lives of young people (aged 12 to 25) in the context of dating and romantic relationships, alcohol and drug use, performance anxiety and school refusal, and alongside comorbid disorders such as depression. The unique challenges faced by special populations including LGBT, ethnic minority, and autistic adolescents are also considered, while clinically-oriented authors describe the latest techniques in assessment and treatment, including pharmacotherapy and cognitive-behavioral approaches. The final chapter presents a model for SAD treatment in schools, with an eye towards the development of future programs for large-scale intervention. Compassionate in tone and comprehensive in scope, Social Anxiety in Adolescents and Young Adults represents a significant step forward in the field of social anxiety.