Research published in the American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities examines social anxiety in individuals with Fragile X syndrome, the most common cause of inherited intellectual disability. Although social anxiety in the general population is becoming more understood, this is not the case for individuals with an intellectual disability. This article, by Dr Hayley Crawford (Theme 3, Integrated Care in Youth Mental Health based at the University of Warwick), reviews factors that may contribute to the higher rates of social anxiety seen in people with Fragile X syndrome.
A new, multi-level model is proposed that identifies five key characteristics of Fragile X syndrome that may lead to heightened social anxiety: physiological hyperarousal, sensory sensitivity, emotion dysregulation, cognitive inflexibility, and intolerance of uncertainty.
More research is needed to test the associations outlined in the model, and there is a need to develop and evaluate targeted interventions informed by an understanding of the mechanisms contributing to social anxiety. With appropriately tailored interventions, it is hoped that outcomes and quality of life can be significantly improved.
Read more:
Crawford H. Social Anxiety in Neurodevelopmental Disorders: The Case of Fragile X Syndrome. Am J Intellect Dev Disabil. 2023; 128(4): 302-18. DOI: 10.1352/1944-7558-128.4.302.