Anxiety in Social Situations
Marked fear, discomfort, or avoidance when exposed to social situations involving the scrutiny or judgment of others. A common and often underdiagnosed source of significant distress and functional impairment.
Quick answer
Social anxiety (ICD-10: F40.1; ICD-11: 6B04) is a common and often undertreated condition affecting social functioning and quality of life. CBT with exposure is the gold-standard treatment. SSRIs are effective adjuncts. Mindfulness reduces post-event rumination. Avoidance maintains and worsens the disorder.
Recognition
Do any of these feel familiar?
Intense anxiety before, during, or after social interactions
Fear of embarrassment, humiliation, or negative evaluation
Physical symptoms in social settings: blushing, sweating, trembling
Avoidance of social situations, performance settings, or scrutiny
Post-event processing: replaying social interactions with self-criticism
What is Anxiety in Social Situations?
Marked fear, discomfort, or avoidance when exposed to social situations involving the scrutiny or judgment of others. A common and often underdiagnosed source of significant distress and functional impairment.
Approaches Commonly Explored
Commonly explored for conditions related to Anxiety in Social Situations, grouped by mechanism — select your subtype above to highlight the most relevant path.
How to use these approaches
Most people begin with Stabilise approaches, then progress toward Resolve and Sustain.
Cognitive patterns, emotional processing, and stress response.
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