Tara Moore / Stone / Getty Images
Shyness and social anxiety disorder share many characteristics.
While the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they are different.
Shyness involves feeling reserved or uncomfortable in social situations.
Tara Moore / Stone / Getty Images
Shyness and social anxiety are similar and overlap in some ways.
However, shyness is normal, while social anxiety is more severe and requires treatment.
Keep reading to learn more about how to tell them apart.
Unfortunately,social anxiety disorder (SAD)is often dismissed as just extreme shyness.
Symptoms of social anxiety typically appear in childhood.
The symptoms usually do not go away but get worse as the situation progresses.
The person with SAD usually realizes that their fears are unfounded but is still unable to control them.
One such screening test is theMini-SPIN (Mini-Social Phobia Inventory)that consists of just three questions.
Studies have shown the Mini-SPIN is an efficient tool for diagnosing SAD among people of different cultures and languages.
Your doctor can provide a full assessment or refer you to another professional more experienced in diagnosing the disorder.
Impact of Shyness
While shyness is normal, it can impact a person’s life and relationships.
It can make it more difficult for kids to form friendships and socialize in school in childhood and adolescence.
Poor social success can interfere with a child’sself-esteemandconfidence.
It is important to recognize that shyness can turn into social anxiety.
Eventually, symptoms can reach a point where they become a diagnosable mental health condition.
National Institute of Mental Health.Social anxiety disorder: More than just shyness.
National Institute of Mental Health.Social anxiety disorder.
2022;91:102616. doi:10.1016/j.janxdis.2022.102616
Garcia-lopez L, Moore HT.Validation and Diagnostic Efficiency of the Mini-SPIN in Spanish-Speaking Adolescents.PLoS ONE.
2015;10(8):e0135862.
2018;13(11):e0206357.
2016;85(6):346-356. doi:10.1159/000447013
