Which statement best characterizes social anxiety disorder?

• A. Fear being judged or scrutinized
• B. Persistent and excessive fear or anxiety in social situations
• C. Lack of interest in social interactions
• D. Delusions about social superiority

Answer: (B)

Social anxiety disorder is defined by a persistent, excessive fear or anxiety about social situations where there could be scrutiny or evaluation by others. This fear is out of proportion to the actual threat and leads to avoidance or significant distress and impairment in functioning, often lasting for many months. The statement about fearing being judged or scrutinized reflects a core feature, but the best description emphasizes that this fear is ongoing and causes real-world impairment. The other options don’t fit: lacking interest in social interactions isn’t the same as an anxiety-driven fear; delusions about social superiority are psychotic symptoms, not characteristic of social anxiety.