Social Anxiety in Children: Diagnosis and Treatment in Lahore
Assessment and treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder in children and teens, addressing excessive fear of social or performance situations.
Social Anxiety Disorder involves a persistent, excessive fear of social or performance situations due to fear of embarrassment or negative judgement, often significantly limiting a child's participation in school and peer activities.
Dr. Muhammad Shoaib Zafar provides effective, structured treatment for social anxiety in children and adolescents, helping them build confidence in social and academic settings.
How This Differs From Shyness
While shyness is a normal personality trait, Social Anxiety Disorder involves a level of fear and avoidance that significantly interferes with participation in school, friendships, and everyday activities.
Treatment
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, combining cognitive strategies with gradual, structured exposure to feared social situations, is highly effective, often complemented by social skills training to build practical confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my child just shy, or is this social anxiety?
The distinguishing factor is the degree of distress and avoidance; if it significantly limits participation in school or friendships, assessment for social anxiety is worthwhile.
Can social anxiety improve without treatment?
While some children naturally become more comfortable socially over time, significant social anxiety often benefits substantially from structured, evidence-based treatment.
Expert Care
Dr. Muhammad Shoaib Zafar provides effective, compassionate treatment for social anxiety in children and adolescents, supporting greater confidence and connection.
This page is provided for general educational purposes and does not replace an individual psychiatric assessment.
Common signs & symptoms
- Excessive fear of social or performance situations
- Avoidance of speaking in class or in groups
- Physical symptoms of anxiety in social settings
- Fear of being judged or embarrassed
- Difficulty making or maintaining friendships due to anxiety
- Reluctance to participate in group activities
Treatment approach
- → Child and adolescent-focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- → Gradual exposure to social situations
- → Social skills training
- → School collaboration for classroom accommodations
- → Medication for more significant cases
Frequently asked questions
Is my child just shy, or is this social anxiety?
The distinguishing factor is the degree of distress and avoidance; if it significantly limits participation in school or friendships, assessment for social anxiety is worthwhile.
Can social anxiety improve without treatment?
While some children naturally become more comfortable socially over time, significant social anxiety often benefits substantially from structured, evidence-based treatment.