What are the indications for referring a patient with Social Anxiety Disorder to secondary care?

Guideline-aligned answer with reasoning, red flags and references. Clinically reviewed by Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGP.

Posted: 22 August 2025 Guideline-Aligned (High Confidence) Clinically Reviewed
Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX

For a patient with suspected social anxiety disorder, a referral to an appropriate healthcare professional is indicated if the initial practitioner is not competent to perform a comprehensive mental health assessment . This applies to both adults and children/young people . If this appropriate professional is not the patient's General Practitioner (GP), the GP should be informed of the referral .

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