Which disorder is characterized by an extreme fear of social situations?

Social phobia, also known as social anxiety disorder, is characterized by an intense and persistent fear of social situations where one may be judged, worried about embarrassment, or scrutinized by others. This can lead to avoidance of social interactions and significant distress in daily functioning. Individuals with social phobia may fear situations such as public speaking, meeting new people, or attending social gatherings, leading them to experience anxiety that can interfere with their personal and professional lives.

In contrast, acute stress disorder is related to a traumatic event and involves symptoms such as flashbacks and heightened anxiety that occur within three days to one month after the event. Obsessive-compulsive disorder involves unwanted repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions) that the individual feels driven to perform, which does not specifically focus on the fear of social situations. Posttraumatic stress disorder arises after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event and includes symptoms like re-experiencing, avoidance of reminders, and heightened arousal. Each of these disorders has distinct features that differentiate them from social phobia, which specifically centers on fear and anxiety in social contexts.