In general, social anxiety disorder tends to worsen over time if left untreated. It can progress from fearing a single social situation to multiple, or even burgeon into a generalized fear of people. Untreated social anxiety disorder can cause difficulty with jobs, either holding a position or starting a new one, as well as social relationships, which can cause a person to have limited or no friends. Increasing isolation can lead to the development of other disorders, such as depression, substance abuse, and further anxiety disorders. If social anxiety disorder is left untreated, it can become chronic and increasingly life-limiting. Over time, it can become more difficult to fight the phobia and maintain a good quality of life. However, with treatment, the prognosis is overwhelmingly positive.