Index Outline of a Research Paper on AnxietyIntroductionSocial Anxiety Disorder (SAD)ShynessCauses and DevelopmentEffects and ConsequencesConclusionExample Research Paper on AnxietyThe Thin Line Between Disorder Social Anxiety Disorder and ShynessAnxiety Research Paper OutlineIntroductionIntroduction to the Distinction Between Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) and ShynessSocial Anxiety Disorder (SAD)Definition and Characteristics of SADPrevalence, Gender Differences, and Age of OnsetComparison of Anticipatory Anxiety and Daily Struggles with SADPhysical and psychological symptoms of SADDirectionDefinition of shynessPrevalence and characteristics of shynessShyness in social situations and its effectsCauses and DevelopmentBiological, psychological and environmental factors that contribute to SADBiological and environmental factors that lead to shynessDistinctive causes and triggers of SAD and shynessEffects and consequencesNegative effects of SAD on personal, academic and professional life The impact of shyness on relationships, friendships and work Severity of consequences in SAD compared to shyness Conclusion Emphasis on the importance of recognizing the differences between SAD and shyness to provide adequate support and treatment Example of research paper on SAD anxietyThe thin line between social anxiety disorder and shynessHave you ever been nervous about meeting new people or giving a presentation in front of others? More likely. But have you ever been so stressed that you avoid meeting people or never show up to the presentation? If so, you may be suffering from social anxiety disorder, also known as SAD. Often, people who suffer from SAD are misdiagnosed as shy. However, the distinction between the two is clear; shyness can make your life difficult, while social anxiety can stop it (Shaw). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an 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 has an excessive and unreasonable fear of social situations. Anxiety (intense nervousness) and embarrassment arise from the fear of being closely observed, judged and criticized by others” (social anxiety disorder). Those with SAD "often suffer from 'anticipatory' anxiety – the 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 “most often emerges in adolescence or early adulthood, but can occur at any time, including early childhood” (social anxiety disorder). Unfortunately, many people are not even aware that the disorder exists and often confuse SAD with shyness. Unlike 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 approximately 10% of the US population is shy (Shelly-Jensen). As stated previously, shyness is triggered during new social situations rather than during everyday interactions with others, such as colleagues, friends, or partners. Simple conversations with familiar faces can be terribly unnerving for those suffering from SAD. Although SAD is less common than shyness in the United States, it deserves much more recognition due to its severity. SAD is regularly mistaken for shyness, but both the symptoms and triggers are remarkably distinct. The struggle for people with SAD goes beyond simply feeling uncomfortable in just typical social circumstances, such as speaking in front of a group or being the center of attention. The ones with thiscondition also suffer from the following daily activities: eating, drinking, writing or working in front of others; ask questions or provide reports in groups; use public toilets; talking on the phone (social anxiety disorder). While it is true that a person's anxiety decreases once those situations are removed, if left to their own thoughts, they overanalyze their supposed "flaws" and "mistakes." People with SAD are plagued by the constant fear of being “closely observed, judged, and criticized,” as well as “making a mistake, making a bad impression, or being embarrassed or humiliated in front of others” (social anxiety disorder). In many cases, people with SAD are aware that their apprehensions are irrational, but are still unable to overcome them (social anxiety disorder). The behavioral and mental signs of SAD are accompanied by physical symptoms, such as “confusion, fast heartbeat, sweating, trembling, flushing, muscle tension, stomach pain, 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 suffer a panic attack may believe they are having a heart attack or that they are dying or going crazy." (Panic attack symptoms). In social settings, such as parties and school, "shy people may feel uncomfortable around others, but they generally do not experience the same extreme anxiety as someone with social anxiety disorder" (Symptoms of Social Anxiety Phobia) . Unlike SAD, the fear a shy person feels does not haunt them constantly. Shy people may have difficulty "talking to people or expressing their opinion when [they] have an opinion about something... [and participating] in conversations at important social functions" (Everett) because they fear be judged or rejected. They may also “[hesitate] to approach people to even ask small things (like directions) [because] they may stutter, feel uncomfortable making eye contact, or speak so softly 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 shaky or nauseated” (Everett). Although they share similar feelings and symptoms, there is a fine line between the temporary discomfort due to shyness and the constant fear of socializing due to SAD. The development of shyness and SAD is very different. While 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 cause SAD are serotonin imbalances and an overactive amygdala, which can be hereditary. “Serotonin is a chemical in the brain that helps regulate mood” and the amygdala is “a structure in the brain that controls the fear response and anxious feelings or thoughts” (Higuera). Psychological damage resulting from bullying, family conflict and sexual abuse can contribute to the development of SAD (Higuera). As for environmental factors, “social anxiety disorder may be a learned behavior. That is, you may develop the condition after witnessing the anxious behavior of others. Furthermore, there may be an association between social anxiety disorder and parents who are 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% of children are born with a tendency towards shyness” and “research has shown biological differences in the brains of shy people” (Heitz). As for experiencesSocial interactions with strict or controlling parents can cause children to become shy. Children whose parents don't let them experience things may have difficulty developing the skills needed to handle social situations. It should also be noted that children with shy parents 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 evidently more serious. SAD and shyness are both accompanied by harmful and negative effects that, without treatment, can last a lifetime. For example: Friendships are very important for a child's emotional development, but shy children have difficulty creating and maintaining friendships because they lack the necessary social skills. Children who are afraid of social situations may avoid them all together, which leads to loneliness (Zolten & Long). Because others may misinterpret shy people as aloof, disinterested, or arrogant, peers may avoid them, thus worsening their isolation (Zolten and Long). According to Zolten & Long, "many shy children have difficulty asserting themselves [and,] as a result, are often exploited by peers or persuaded to do things they don't want to do" (Zolten & Long). Shy children not only have problems expressing their statements, but also their emotions. Considering how often they don't learn to express themselves adequately, shy children often repress their emotions (Zolten & Long). In addition to social issues, shy people can also suffer academically. Because “shy children are often reluctant to ask their teachers for help when they need it…shy children's questions often go unanswered (Zolten & Long). Likewise, “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, resulting in late arrival times, long and tearful morning leaves, tantrums at school, or refusal to attend school (social phobia (anxiety disorder social)). Children who suffer from SAD may also have “difficulty concentrating [in school] due to persistent worry,” thereby affecting “a variety of school activities, from following directions and completing homework to paying attention, particularly before stressful events such as giving a speech in class.” or even sitting with unfamiliar classmates in a school group or event” (Social Phobia (Social Anxiety Disorder)). Adults with SAD usually work in jobs that they are dissatisfied with or that are below their capabilities. Job interviews in particular are extremely stressful; those with SAD are afraid that during the interview they will look funny, will hesitate, perhaps even blush, and will not be able to find the right words to answer all of the interviewer's questions. Worse, they believe they will say the wrong thing (Richards). Even those who already have a job “might turn down a promotion or other opportunity because it involves travel or public speaking; finding excuses to leave office parties, staff lunches and other events or meetings with colleagues; or not being able to meet deadlines” (Anxiety and stress in the workplace). Generally, people with SAD are not antisocial and, in fact, want to interact with others. However,.