What disorder is characterized by an unrealistic fear of being scrutinized and criticized by others?

Social anxiety disorder is characterized by an intense and persistent fear of social situations where an individual might be scrutinized or judged by others. This can lead to significant distress and avoidance of social interactions, which can impair daily functioning. Individuals with this disorder often worry about being embarrassed, humiliated, or rejected in social settings. The fear is disproportionate to the actual threat posed by social interactions, making it unrealistic, and it often results in significant anxiety that can be debilitating.

In contrast, panic disorder primarily involves recurrent and unexpected panic attacks, whereas specific phobia is centered around intense fear of specific objects or situations, such as heights or spiders. Generalized anxiety disorder, on the other hand, is characterized by excessive worry about various aspects of life, not necessarily tied to social situations. Therefore, the hallmark of social anxiety disorder is the fear of negative evaluation in social contexts, distinguishing it from the other anxiety-related disorders.