What is the term for intense fear of social situations?

The term for intense fear of social situations is social phobia, also known as social anxiety disorder. This condition is characterized by significant anxiety and discomfort in social interactions, where individuals fear being judged, embarrassed, or humiliated in these settings.

People with social phobia often experience symptoms such as excessive sweating, blushing, trembling, or even panic attacks when they anticipate social encounters. This intense fear can lead to avoidance of social situations, thus impacting their daily functioning and quality of life.

Understanding social phobia is important in the field of psychology and psychometrics because it helps professionals assess and identify individuals who may need intervention or support. Unlike other anxiety-related disorders, social phobia specifically focuses on the fear stemming from social interactions rather than generalized anxiety (which encompasses a broader range of worries), panic disorder (which involves unexpected panic attacks), or obsessive-compulsive disorder (characterized by unwanted intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors).