There are many different factors that determine the cause of social phobia and firstly we will take a look at the biological factors. Only recently have researchers being able to pin point the underlying brain mechanisms that are associated with social phobia have examined social phobia by using positron emission tomography have found that subjects suffering from social phobia syndrome showed an increased activity in the amygdale which is basically the “reptilian brain” and also noted that there was a decreased activity in the neocortex.

To date these studies are inconclusive and researchers are still trying to identify the relationship between brain activity and social phobia. In addition researcher are examining the relationship between the social phobia syndrome and neurotransmitters which comprise of chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin and it was noted that sociable people have increased levels of dopamine and that these natural chemicals improve as well as reduce social phobia symptoms. However there have been differences of opinions and these studies are inconclusive.

Geneticists and researchers have stated that there may be a link to a subject’s genetic makeup which may be the cause of social phobia although these trails have proved inconclusive. However studies have shown that there is a definite link where social phobia runs in the family and it was also found that an identical pattern presented with fraternal and identical twins in that they both presented with social phobia which suggests a role for genetic transmission.

Even though these studies are inconclusive it was proved that personality traits that are social phobia related were found to be inherited and that genetic plays a role in the development of social phobia syndrome and have also stated that they cannot rule out the possibility of environmental influences. Besides genetics one has to take into consideration the psychological factors such as personal experiences and learning which can influence the onset of social phobia.

Subjects could present with a history of experiences such as being bullied and teased at school or come from a family background where the subject was continuously put down and was told that they are not good enough or maybe an abusive family situation which could have triggered their social phobia. Some learn fear just by observing the messages their peers and the media pass down. In many instances during the child’s developmental years the parents continuously reiterate on how the child should behave and that only certain behavior patterns are accepted which in turn can lead to social phobias.

It has also been noted that people with social phobias tend to only remember and pay attention to socially threatening information as opposed to other people that do not have a social phobia. They also tend to hold onto beliefs that increase their anxiety and are continuously worried about other people’s reactions to their behavior and are worried about people finding out about their disorder. These subjects also have a tendency to interpret neutral facial expressions negatively and anticipate negative consequences.

This will definitely help you find the appropriate social phobia treatment.