Adolescents who experience higher levels of social anxiety symptoms are more likely to report increased suicidal thoughts and other depressive symptoms two years later, according to new research. The University of East Anglia-led study sheds light on the pressing need for early interventions to address society anxiety in young people. Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) often begins during adolescence, manifesting as intense fear and discomfort in social situations.
This study provides valuable insights into how social anxiety symptoms may convey risks to developing other important mental health issues if left unaddressed." Dr. Kenny Chiu, Lead Author, Clinical Lecturer in Clinical Psychology at UEA's Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychological Therapies Second author Prof Argyris Stringaris, Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at University College London, said: "Our findings suggest addressing social anxiety early could be crucial in preventing the development of suicidal thoughts and other depressive symptoms.
" Depressive symptoms one year into the study also partially explained the connection between early social anxiety and later depressive symptoms. Last author Dr Eleanor Leigh, MRC Clinician Scientist Fellow at University of Oxford and Honorary Associate Professor at University College London, said: "Our findings highlight that social anxiety plays a significant role in the persistence of depressive symptoms in adolescents." The study builds on a meta-analyt.