What is the hallmark symptom of social phobia?

The hallmark symptom of social phobia, also known as social anxiety disorder, is anxiety in social situations. Individuals experiencing social phobia typically have an intense and persistent fear of being judged, embarrassed, or criticized in social interactions. This anxiety can manifest in various ways, such as avoiding social gatherings, experiencing symptoms like rapid heart rate, sweating, or trembling when faced with social situations, and a preoccupation with their performance in these contexts.

The core of this disorder centers around the fear of social scrutiny, which can severely impact a person's quality of life and ability to engage in everyday activities. Understanding that social phobia specifically pertains to anxiety revolving around social interactions is crucial for recognizing the distinction from other anxiety-related disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, where the worry is more diffuse, or agoraphobia, which involves the fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult.