No. Older children and adolescents also benefit from treatment. In fact, those who have had symptoms of social anxiety into adulthood have also been helped with treatment. Left untreated, SM is likely to persist into the upper grades of school and into adulthood (Thompson, 2000). Studies of adults with untreated social phobia (or social anxiety disorder) indicate that they are prone to developing more severe problems such as depression, suicidal ideation, substance abuse, limited occupational or educational achievement, avoidance and impaired social relationships. Social phobia also often co-occurs with other disorders, thus, older children and adolescents with SM may have other symptoms and diagnoses including depression, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder (Biedel and Turner, 1998). It is important that the child/adolescent receives an assessment to rule-out other problems that may be present along with SM. When in treatment, the child or adolescent will have a far greater opportunity to overcome his/her problems and be successful in adulthood.