Disorder characterised by the appearance of an excessive, persistent and hindering fear in situations that require exposure or social interaction. It tends to develop during teenage years, and it is more frequently associated to the female gender.
The most common manifestations are anticipatory anxiety to exposure and social interactions, even anxiety attacks.
They tend to be afraid of being judged and that their behaviours or public exposures may be considered inappropriate. For example: showing evident anxiety, being unable to trace their own thoughts or not being able to find the appropriate words to express themselves. Fears or anxieties must be disproportionate and cause significant discomfort.
To diagnose social fear, the symptoms must be present for a minimum of six months and other diseases must be ruled out such as being under the effects of a drug, having a medical condition or another psychological disorder.
Treatment is based on cognitive-behavioural techniques directed towards the training of social abilities.
- Franklin R Schneier, MD. Social anxiety disorder in adults: Epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis. UpToDate. May 26, 2021.
- Murray B Stein, MD, MPHCharles T Taylor, PhD. Approach to treating social anxiety disorder in adults. UpToDate. Jun 07, 2022.
- Shannon Bennett, PhDJohn T Walkup, MD. Anxiety disorders in children and adolescents: Assessment and diagnosis. UpToDate. Aug 19, 2022.
- Evan Alvarez, MAAnthony Puliafico, PhDKimberly Glazier Leonte, PhDAnn Marie Albano, PhD, ABPP. Psychotherapy for anxiety disorders in children and adolescents. UpToDate. Feb 02, 2021.
