Which disorder involves an extreme fear of social interactions?

• A. Panic Disorder
• B. Social Anxiety Disorder
• C. Clinical Depression
• D. Bipolar Disorder

Answer: (B)

Extreme fear of social interactions is Social Anxiety Disorder. This condition centers on an intense, persistent fear of situations where one might be scrutinized, judged, or embarrassed in front of others. People with it may worry for weeks or months about upcoming social scenarios, avoid social settings, or endure them with significant distress, and this anxiety causes noticeable impairment in work, school, or relationships. The fear is specifically tied to social evaluation rather than being a general fear or mood issue, and the symptoms persist for a substantial period, typically six months or more, without being better explained by another medical condition or substance use.

Panic disorder, in contrast, involves recurrent unexpected panic attacks and ongoing fear of having more attacks, not a broad fear of social interactions. Clinical depression centers on persistent depressed mood, loss of interest, and related cognitive and physical symptoms. Bipolar disorder involves episodes of both mood elevation and depression, rather than a primary pattern of social fear.