by Ginger Kazay

Created on: September 01, 2010   Last Updated: April 29, 2012

We all know someone who appears to be anti-social. They don't get involved with other students, co-workers, or group members. They don't show up at parties, go to public events, play sports, or seem to get involved in group activities.

Some of these people actually are anti-social and others only appear to be anti-social. The ones who appear to be anti-social are actually meeting their social needs through other outlets. For example, co-workers may think a person is anti-social because they do not participate in activities with co-workers; however, they are actually meeting social needs through church, an alternate group (hobby group, sports, etc), or even on-line.

Why are some people anti-social? Actually, there are dozens of reasons and it is amazing that more people do not become anti-social. Some people are anti-social from birth and for others it is a learned behavior.

Medical reasons for being anti-social are:

1. Asperger's syndrome (autism) - this is a medical condition that starts to show symptoms in infancy. While people with asperger's syndrome are people with autism who are considered to be "high-level" or functioning autistics; they still exhibit many symptoms of autism including a lack of empathy, they are unable to pick up on social clues, they avoid eye contact, they are unable to detect subtle differences in speech, tone, and accent, and they are preoccupied with only one or a very few interests. This medical condition is a virtual prescription for anti-social behavior.

2. Depression - people who are suffering from depression don't want to be around any one. For some people this is a short term problem; but for others depression is a life long struggle.

3. Social Anxiety Disorder - this is the most common anxiety disorder today. This disorder includes fear of eating or drinking in front of others; writing or working in front of others, being the center of attention; asking questions; giving reports; interacting with people; using public toilets; and even talking on the telephone. Symptoms include; avoidance, feelings of anxiety, crying, temper tantrums, confusion, pounding heart, sweating, blushing, shaking, muscle tension, upset stomach, and diarrhea. This problem can be caused anything from a serotonin imbalance to psychological and environmental factors, Obviously, a person with this condition will be anti-social.

4. Allergies - if a person has allergies that are triggered by fragrances and/or foods they are not going to want to put themselves

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