University of East Anglia find links between social anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts in adolescents
The study looked at 2,400 young people
A new study from the University of East Anglia has revealed links between social anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts in adolescents.
They found young people who experience higher levels of social anxiety symptoms are more likely to report increased suicidal thoughts and other depressive symptoms two years later.
The study looked at the data of 2400 aged between 14 and 24 from London and Cambridgeshire areas between 2012 and 2017.
Participants were assessed over a two-year period, once at the outset, another a year later, and the final one at the end of two years.
Lead author Dr Kenny Chiu, Clinical Lecturer in Clinical Psychology at UEA’s Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychological Therapies, said:
“Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) often begins during adolescence, manifesting as intense fear and discomfort in social situations.
“This study provides valuable insights into how social anxiety symptoms may convey risks to developing other important mental health issues if left unaddressed.”
Depressive symptoms one year into the study also partially explained the connection between early social anxiety and later depressive symptoms.
Dr Chiu added: “Such a discovery would not have been possible without the NSPN consortium, which provides robust data accessible to child and adolescent mental health researchers.”
The study funded by The Wellcome Trust Neuroscience in Psychiatry Network (NSPN) and in collaboration with UEA, University College London and the University of Oxford also highlighted the need for early intervention.
Support
If you, or someone you know is suffering with their mental health, or experiencing suicidal thoughts, you can speak to your GP. If someone's life is in danger - call 999 immediately.
You can also find help and advice from these services:
Hub of Hope - https://hubofhope.co.uk
Samaritans – Call 116123 - https://www.samaritans.org
Mind - 0300 123 3393 - https://www.mind.org.uk