Social anxiety disorder is not well understood by the general
public or by medical and mental health professionals. As a
result, the majority of people with social anxiety disorder may
be misdiagnosed or untreated. The diagnosis of social anxiety
disorder is based on the following criteria: Your anxiety
disrupts your ability to function in daily life. It may
interfere with: - Normal routines - Success in school - Social
relationships - Your anxiety in social situations is very
distressing The process of making the diagnosis may include the
following: Initial Assessment – Your doctor will ask questions
about your symptoms and medical history. You may be asked how
long the symptoms have been present, how distressing they are,
and how they affect your ability to function. You may be given a
psychological assessment as well. Evaluation of Other
Psychiatric Disorders – Depression , substance abuse (
alcoholism or drug abuse ), and other anxiety disorders
(generalized anxiety disorder, phobias, panic attacks) often