Social anxiety disorder

Fear of scrutiny, embarrassment, blushing, shaking, negative evaluation

RoutineReview due

Compare (8)

At a glance

High-risk causes: 5
Related differentials: 8

Safety snapshot

Watch forSevere avoidancealcohol misusecollapse in role functioningalcohol self-medicationschool/work collapse

Presentation hinge

Abrupt peak over minutes, recurrent unexpected attacks, anticipatory anxiety or avoidance.

Separates the Autism / Intellectual Disability / ADHD / Developmental Overlap group. It is not specific to Social anxiety disorder.

Clinical review

Rows marked “Whole group”: Applies to the Autism / Intellectual Disability / ADHD / Developmental Overlap group — not specific to Social anxiety disorder

Why it fits

Fear of scrutiny, embarrassment, blushing, shaking, negative evaluation

Key features2 features

Avoidance from fear of judgement, embarrassment, scrutiny
Developmental onset and restricted/repetitive or sensory features are central.

Must-not-miss

Severe avoidance, alcohol self-medication, school/work collapse.

High-risk causes5 causes

Severe avoidance
alcohol misuse
collapse in role functioning
alcohol self-medication
school/work collapse

Bedside question

Applies to the Autism / Intellectual Disability / ADHD / Developmental Overlap group.

Abrupt peak over minutes, recurrent unexpected attacks, anticipatory anxiety or avoidance.

Helpful clues1 clue

Developmental onset and restricted/repetitive or sensory features are central.

Immediate action

Applies to the Autism / Intellectual Disability / ADHD / Developmental Overlap group.

None listed

Priority steps

Investigations

Applies to the Autism / Intellectual Disability / ADHD / Developmental Overlap group.

None listed

Core tests

Mimics / overlap

Applies to the Autism / Intellectual Disability / ADHD / Developmental Overlap group.

None listed

Consider

Clinical reference — not validated decision support. Review before use.