What disorder is characterized by extreme shyness and avoidance of social interactions?

The disorder characterized by extreme shyness and avoidance of social interactions is social anxiety disorder. This condition specifically involves an intense fear of social situations where one might be scrutinized or judged by others. Individuals with social anxiety often experience significant distress when faced with social interactions, leading to avoidance behaviors that can impair their daily functioning and social relationships.

Social anxiety disorder differs from generalized anxiety disorder, which encompasses a broader range of anxiety about various life events and situations rather than being specifically tied to social contexts. While obsessive-compulsive disorder involves recurring thoughts and compulsions that can cause anxiety, it does not primarily focus on social interactions. Likewise, post-traumatic stress disorder is related to experiencing or witnessing traumatic events and doesn't specifically involve the type of social avoidance seen in social anxiety disorder.