Social anxiety disorder now affects one in seven Canadian adults

A new Canadian study has found that social anxiety disorder (SAD) now affects nearly 1 in 7 adults - a 71% increase since 2002 - making it one of the most common mental health challenges in the country.

Social anxiety disorder, sometimes referred to as social phobia, is a mental health condition characterized by an intense fear of being judged or embarrassed in social situations, often leading to significant distress, impaired relationships and work performance, reduced quality of life, and substantial economic costs to society. "Social anxiety is becoming more common in Canada, and understanding why this increase is happening is essential for improving mental health support," said Tak-Lai Nellie Chau, recent MSW graduate of the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work (FIFSW), University of Toronto.

The research revealed that nearly 14% of Canadian adults have experienced social anxiety at some point in their lives, up from just over 8% in 2002.

While the study did not examine why social anxiety may have increased, the authors hypothesize that recent social changes, such as increased use of social media and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, may be contributing to this rise.

Young people are most at risk

The research shows a strong pattern: younger Canadians are far more likely to experience social anxiety than older adults. About 1 in 4 or 24% of people aged 20 to 24 had a social anxiety disorder at some point in their life, compared to only 6.2% of those aged 65 and older.

Digital communication and reduced face-to-face interaction could be to blame.

Young adulthood is a key life stage where social pressures are high, which may increase vulnerability to social anxiety. Add to this the experience of increased isolation during the pandemic, growing pressures to achieve certain ideals on social media, and increased polarization and those pressures are bound to intensify."

Stephen A. Oliver, recent MSW graduate of the FIFSW, University of Toronto

Early life experiences and childhood trauma play a role

The study also found that early life experiences are strongly associated with social anxiety disorders. Individuals who experienced childhood sexual abuse or witnessed domestic violence had significantly higher rates of social anxiety disorder.

The prevalence of lifetime social anxiety was also linked to chronic pain, multiple health conditions, and substance use disorders, showing that social anxiety often overlaps with other challenges.

"These findings highlight the importance of a life course approach to understanding mental health," said Esme Fuller-Thomson, Director of the Institute for Life Course and Aging, and Professor at the FIFSW, University of Toronto. "Childhood experiences can cast a long shadow on adult mental health".

Social support makes a difference

The research showed that people with low social support - those who felt they didn't have someone to rely on - were much more likely to have a social anxiety disorder.

At the same time, people who reported that spirituality was important in their lives were less likely to struggle with social anxiety.

"While our study did not test treatments directly, there is strong evidence from other research that cognitive behavioural therapy can be highly effective for social anxiety. Given that one in four young Canadians are affected, improving access to these evidence-based supports is essential," said Fuller-Thomson.