Social anxiety disorder features which of the following?

• A. Persistent fear of social interaction or performance for ≥6 months
• B. Occurs only in adolescence
• C. Requires a mood disorder
• D. Is always comorbid with OCD

Answer: (A)

Social anxiety disorder centers on a persistent, excessive fear of social interactions or performance situations where one could be scrutinized by others. The crucial feature is that this fear is intense enough to cause avoidance or significant distress across most social settings and it lasts for a long period—six months or more. The fear revolves around being negatively evaluated, embarrassed, or humiliated, and it leads to meaningful impairment in work, school, or relationships. While onset often occurs during adolescence or early adulthood, it is not limited to that period. It does not require a mood disorder, and while OCD can be present alongside it, that is not required for the diagnosis.