The best NHS option for parents considered about their teenager’s social anxiety is to consider a referral to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). You can find your local NHS CAMHS service via www.nhs.uk/service-search/other-health-services/child-and-adolescent-mental-health-services-camhs. CAMHS referrals are often done by a GP (after a GP appointment) but you may also be able to ask your teenagers’s school, health visitor, or youth or social worker to make a referral.

Please aslso seee MINDs pages on CAMHS information – for 11-18 year olds

Please also see the book list at the bottom of this page.

According to the USA based National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 9.1% of adolescents (13-18) with social anxiety disorder. See https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/social-anxiety-disorder#part_2644

Please also see the “child and young people” sections within NICE Social Anxiety Guidelines for the General Public and NICE Clinical Guidance for Healthcare Professionals

International links relating to social anxiety in teenagers :

Verywellmind.com : Social Anxiety Disorder in Children and Teenagers
Anxietycanada.com : Children and Teens with Social Anxiety
Nationalsocialanxietycenter.com : Guidance for parents of teenagers – Does your shy teen have social anxiety?

Free PDF that has some content relevant to teenagers: 10 Simple Solutions to Shyness PDF

Books relating to social anxiety in teenagers: