Which disorder involves excessive fear of social or performance situations?

Which disorder involves excessive fear of social or performance situations?

• A. Panic Disorder
• B. Social Phobia
• C. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• D. OCD

Answer: (B)

Excessive fear of social or performance situations points to social anxiety disorder, often called social phobia in older terminology. In this condition, the person suspects they will be judged, embarrassed, or humiliated in social interactions or during performance, and this fear causes real distress and avoidance. The anxiety is out of proportion to the actual situation and leads to significant impairment in daily functioning, such as difficulty making friends, participating in class or work, or speaking in public. This distinguishes it from panic disorder, where the main feature is sudden panic attacks; from generalized anxiety disorder, where worry spans many topics rather than focusing specifically on social situations; and from OCD, which centers on obsessions and compulsions rather than fear of social evaluation.

Excessive fear of social or performance situations points to social anxiety disorder, often called social phobia in older terminology. In this condition, the person suspects they will be judged, embarrassed, or humiliated in social interactions or during performance, and this fear causes real distress and avoidance. The anxiety is out of proportion to the actual situation and leads to significant impairment in daily functioning, such as difficulty making friends, participating in class or work, or speaking in public. This distinguishes it from panic disorder, where the main feature is sudden panic attacks; from generalized anxiety disorder, where worry spans many topics rather than focusing specifically on social situations; and from OCD, which centers on obsessions and compulsions rather than fear of social evaluation.