Which anxiety disorder is characterized by anxiety in social situations?

The condition characterized specifically by anxiety in social situations is social anxiety disorder. This disorder involves an intense fear of social interactions and scenarios where individuals are exposed to the scrutiny of others. People with social anxiety disorder may experience excessive worry about being judged, embarrassed, or humiliated in public settings, which can significantly impact their ability to function in daily life and participate in social activities.

In contrast, generalized anxiety disorder involves pervasive worry and anxiety across various contexts, not limited to social situations. Agoraphobia primarily relates to fear and avoidance of places or situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable, often leading to a reluctance to leave home. Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) aimed at reducing anxiety, but it doesn't specifically focus on social interactions as the primary source of anxiety. Each of these conditions has distinct features, making social anxiety disorder the most accurate choice for anxiety specifically related to social situations.