Final answer:
Social anxiety disorder is characterized by intense fear and discomfort in social situations, often leading to avoidance. While negative childhood events may contribute to SAD, it is not accurate to say most people with SAD lack social skills or have no friends.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the characteristics of social anxiety disorder (SAD), which is a condition where people experience intense fear and discomfort in social situations. It is a common misunderstanding that individuals with social anxiety disorder lack social skills and have no friends. In reality, the condition is more nuanced, and people with SAD often have normal social skills but are overwhelmed by intense feelings of anxiety in social settings. This can lead to avoidance of social situations, which may mistakenly be perceived as a lack of social skills or friendships. Research has indicated that negative childhood experiences may contribute to the development of social anxiety disorder. However, it does not imply that all individuals with SAD have experienced negative events in childhood or lack social skills entirely.