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Criterion A

• Marked fear or anxiety occurs in one or more social situations involving possible scrutiny by others.
• The person fears acting in a way or showing anxiety symptoms that will be negatively evaluated.

Criterion B

• The social situations almost always provoke fear or anxiety.

Criterion C

• The social situations are avoided or endured with intense fear or anxiety.

Criterion D

• The fear or anxiety is out of proportion to the actual threat posed by the social situation and the sociocultural context.

Criterion E

• The fear, anxiety, or avoidance is persistent, typically lasting 6 months or more.

Criterion F

• The fear, anxiety, or avoidance causes clinically significant distress or impairment.

Criterion G

• The symptoms are not attributable to a substance or another medical condition.

Criterion H

• The disturbance is not better explained by another mental disorder.

Criterion I

• If another medical condition is present, the fear is clearly unrelated or excessive.

Related Guides

• Social Anxiety Disorder Symptoms and Signs
• Social Anxiety Disorder Scales and Assessment Tools
• Social Anxiety Disorder Treatments and Medications
• When to Seek Professional Help for Social Anxiety Disorder