Social Anxiety Disorder: A Comprehensive Review of DSM-5 Criteria
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is a mental health condition that is characterized by intense fear or anxiety in social situations. It is also known as social phobia and is among the most common anxiety disorders. People with SAD are often afraid of being judged or embarrassed by others and may go to great lengths to avoid social situations. This article will provide an overview of the DSM-5 criteria for SAD, as well as its history and characteristics.
Definition
The DSM-5 defines SAD as “marked fear or anxiety about one or more social situations in which the individual is exposed to possible scrutiny by others.” This fear or anxiety is out of proportion to the actual threat posed by the social situation and is accompanied by physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, trembling, and sweating. In some cases, the fear may even cause the person to avoid social situations altogether.
History
SAD was first formally recognized in the DSM-III in 1980. The DSM-5 criteria have seen some changes since then, including a narrowing of the criteria to include only fear or anxiety in social situations, rather than a broader definition of “social inhibition.”
Characteristics
People with SAD often experience significant levels of fear or anxiety in social situations. This fear or anxiety can be so severe that it leads to avoidance of social situations altogether. Common fear triggers include:
• Speaking in public
• Meeting new people
• Being in large groups
• Eating in public
In addition, people with SAD may experience physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, trembling, sweating, nausea, or difficulty catching their breath. These physical symptoms can cause the individual to feel embarrassed or ashamed, further compounding the fear and anxiety.
Conclusion
Social Anxiety Disorder is a common mental health condition characterized by intense fear or anxiety in social situations. The DSM-5 criteria for SAD focus on the fear or anxiety experienced in social situations and include physical symptoms that can further exacerbate the fear and lead to avoidance of social situations. Understanding the DSM-5 criteria for SAD is important in order to properly diagnose and treat the condition.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association.
Beidel, D. C., & Turner, S. M. (2008). Social Anxiety Disorder: An Overview of DSM-IV and Beyond. Depression and Anxiety, 25(1), 10-18. doi:10.1002/da.20238
Kessler, R. C., Petukhova, M., Sampson, N. A., Zaslavsky, A. M., & Wittchen, H. U. (2012). Twelve-month and lifetime prevalence and lifetime morbid risk of anxiety and mood disorders in the United States. International Journal of Methods in Psychiatric Research, 21(3), 169-184. doi:10.1002/mpr.1359