What are the causes of social phobia?
What is the etiology of social phobia?
Research into the causes of social phobia is ongoing. At the present time, there are several theories as to what causes social phobia.
Studies of neurotransmitter function have suggested that the serotonergic system is involved in social phobia. Serotonin, a substance found in many tissues, particularly blood platelets, the lining of the digestive tract, and the brain, where it acts as a neurotransmitter, has a variety of roles in regulating mood, behavior, and perception of pain. Evidence of serotonin dysfunction, including selective supersensitivity of serotonergic systems, has been found in patients with social phobia.1
Serotonin is released from the presynaptic neuron. Once released, the serotonin can be:- Reabsorbed by the presynaptic terminal, which is known as reuptake.
- Or, the serotonin can bind to receptors on the presynaptic surface. These receptors may regulate the release of serotonin.
- Or, the released serotonin can bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, where it causes the release of a second messenger that results in effects on ion channels.
What are the risk factors of social phobia?
Social phobia is very common among western countries. Approxinately 14% of the population in Western countries experience social phobia at least once in their life cycle..
Social phobia may be present among;- Childhood
- Teenage population (the mids)
- Adults
- Gender
- Bad memories
- Disease history of the family
- Personality
- Work and social atmosphere
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