Health experts explain the symptoms of social anxiety disorder

Health & Fitness
20 Oct 2026 • 5:31 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Health experts explain the symptoms of social anxiety disorder

  • Almost one in three people claiming Personal Independence Payment for anxiety disorders in England and Wales are teenagers or young adults aged 16 to 24.
  • Analysis shows that over half of recent Pip claimants listing anxiety as their primary condition are under 35, compared to just 2 per cent aged 65 or over.
  • Health experts explain that social anxiety disorder causes an intense fear of social judgment that severely impacts daily functioning, work, and relationships.
  • Physical symptoms of the condition include a racing heart, panic attacks, stomach issues, and disrupted sleep, which often cause individuals to avoid social contact.
  • Recommended treatments for social anxiety disorder include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, graded exposure techniques, mindfulness, and SSRI medications.

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