What characterizes social anxiety disorder?

Social anxiety disorder is primarily characterized by a marked fear of social scrutiny, where individuals experience intense anxiety or fear in social situations due to worries about being embarrassed, judged, or negatively evaluated by others. This condition leads to significant distress and can result in avoidance behaviors, where individuals steer clear of social events or interactions that provoke these fears.

While some people with social anxiety may also avoid certain social situations, the core issue lies in the fear of scrutiny, rather than a general disinterest in social activities or a desire to avoid all social interactions. This distinguishes social anxiety from more generalized conditions or avoidance behavior that may occur for other reasons, such as introversion or a lack of interest. Public speaking is often a common trigger for those with social anxiety, yet it is not the only focus—any situation that may result in the potential for social evaluation can provoke anxiety. Thus, the essence of social anxiety disorder is encapsulated in the fear of scrutiny rather than a singular focus on certain scenarios or complete social withdrawal.