Diagnostic Criteria
A marked and persistent
fear of one or more social
or performance situations in
which the person is
exposed to unfamiliar people
or to possible scrutiny
by others. The individual fears
that he or she will act
in a way (or show anxiety symptoms)
that will be humiliating
or embarrassing. Note: In children,
there must be evidence of
the capacity for age-appropriate social
relationships with
familiar people and the anxiety must occur
in peer settings,
not just in interactions with adults.
Exposure to the feared social
situation almost
invariably provokes anxiety, which
may take the
form of a situationally bound or
situationally
predisposed Panic Attack. Note:
In children,
the anxiety may be expressed by crying,
tantrums,
freezing, or shrinking from
social situations with unfamiliar
people.
The person recognizes that the fear
is excessive or
unreasonable.
Note: In children, this feature may
be absent.
The feared social or performance
situations are avoided or
else are endured with intense
anxiety or distress.
The avoidance, anxious anticipation,
or distress in
the feared social or performance
situation(s) interferes
significantly with the person's
normal routine, occupational
academic) functioning, or social
activities or
Associated Features
Depressed Mood
Somatic/Sexual Dysfunction
Addiction
Anxious/Fearful/Dependent Personality
Differential Diagnosis
Panic Disorder With Agoraphobia;
Agoraphobia Without
History of Panic Disorder;
Separation Anxiety Disorder;
Generalized Anxiety Disorder;
Specific Phobia; Pervasive
Developmental Disorder; Schizoid
Personality Disorder;
Avoidant Personality Disorder;
associated features of
many other mental disorders;
Anxiety Disorder Not
Otherwise Specified; Performance
anxiety, stage fright,
and shyness.
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