Social Phobia across the Lifespan

Social anxiety disorder is characterized by fear and avoidance of social situations in which one may be evaluated by others. The disorder results from a complex interplay among genetic factors (e.g., family history of the disorder); temperamental factors (e.g., behavioral inhibition and anxiety sensitivity); biological contributors; parenting style and other environmental considerations; and cognitive factors, such as interpretation biases and heightened self-focused attention. In this article, we discuss the contribution of these factors for the etiology and maintenance of the disorder throughout the lifespan.