What are the key diagnostic criteria for Social Anxiety Disorder according to NICE guidelines?

The key diagnostic criteria for Social Anxiety Disorder according to NICE guidelines include a detailed description of the person's current social anxiety and associated problems, such as feared and avoided social situations, and what they are afraid might happen in social situations (e.g., looking anxious, blushing, sweating, trembling, or appearing boring) ¹.

Assessment should consider anxiety symptoms, view of self, content of self-image, safety-seeking behaviours, focus of attention in social situations, anticipatory and post-event processing, and the impact on occupational, educational, financial, and social circumstances ¹.

Additionally, the assessment involves identifying the extent and nature of social anxiety and any associated difficulties, including coexisting mental health problems, neurodevelopmental conditions, experiences of bullying or social ostracism, friendships, speech and communication skills, physical health problems, and personal and social functioning ¹.