This fear can interfere at the workplace,in friendships and relationships, because they are unable to socialise and use communication skills in some situations. The average age of people who suffer social phobias is 15-20. Although social phobia can start in early childhood for some. Both males and females suffer equally from this disorder. However, men are usually more inclined to seek treatment.
Traumatic events can often trigger phobias.
Research done points towards social phobias being hereditary. People with phobias, in particular social phobias, may also have problems with substance abuse. Phobia suffers become so anxious when confronted by their fear that they experience panic attacks. These attacks consist of intense and unexpected bursts of terror, which may be accompanied by physical symptoms as well. Maybe people with social phobias are justified in their thinking.