What characterizes social anxiety disorder?

Social anxiety disorder is characterized primarily by an intense fear of being judged or evaluated negatively in social situations. Individuals with this disorder experience significant anxiety or distress in situations where they may interact with others, such as parties, meetings, or public speaking. This fear can be debilitating and lead to avoidance behaviors, where a person might steer clear of social engagements altogether to prevent feelings of embarrassment or humiliation.

The focus on social interactions distinguishes social anxiety disorder from other types of anxiety disorders. For instance, fear of open spaces relates to agoraphobia, while specific fears tied to objects or situations fall under specific phobias. The desire for social interaction is typically lessened in those with social anxiety disorder, as the fear often prevents individuals from pursuing social opportunities. Thus, the defining characteristic of this disorder is indeed the intense, persistent fear associated with social situations, affirming why this choice is the most accurate representation of social anxiety disorder.