Anxiety Disorders: Social Factors

Anxiety, especially when left untreated, can affect every aspect of life from daily routine to work productivity to overall quality of life. It has implications for relationships, and significant others can influence the development and course of anxiety. Possible social impairment includes relationship distress, social isolation, social skills deficits, and interpersonal rejection. Social factors contribute to the development, maintenance, or exacerbation of anxiety, especially if there is a predisposing sensitivity for anxiety. Connections among social factors interact and are bidirectional (cause and effect). The social constructs discussed in this entry—social learning, social support, co-rumination, reassurance seeking, and accommodation of avoidance—are several social considerations applicable to anxiety disorders in adulthood.

Social Impairment

As age of onset for anxiety disorders is earlier than for most disorders, anxiety and associated ...

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