A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of
getting a disease or condition. It is possible to develop social
anxiety disorder with or without the risk factors listed below.
However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your
likelihood of developing social anxiety disorder. If you have a
number of risk factors, ask your doctor what you can do to
reduce your risk. Risk factors for social anxiety disorder
include the following: Other Mental Disorders Rates of social
anxiety disorder are higher in people who have another anxiety
disorder, such as general anxiety disorder , panic disorder or
phobias, substance abuse problem ( alcoholism or drug abuse ),
bipolar disorder , hypochondriasis , or depression . The
disorder typically begins in childhood or early adolescence. It
rarely develops after age 25. Rates of social anxiety disorder
are higher in first degree relatives. Genetic influence is
estimated to be between 30% to 40%. People with asthma are at an
increased risk for social anxiety d