How to Screen for Social Anxiety?

How to Screen for Social Anxiety?

If you have noticed some anxiety or think you might suffer from social anxiety, but are on the fence contacting a health care professional you can use the questions below as a guidance to share the results with your provider when you're ready to get some help.

Are you bothered by the following?

An intense and persistent fear of a social situation in which people might judge you

Yes    No

Fear that you will be humiliated by your actions

Yes    No

Fear that people will notice that you are blushing, sweating, trembling, or showing other signs of anxiety

Yes    No

Knowing that your fear is excessive or unreasonable

Does a dreaded situation cause you to...?

Always feel anxious?

Yes    No

Experience a panic attack, during which you suddenly are overcome by intense fear or discomfort, including any of these symptoms:

Yes    No

Pounding heart

Yes    No

Sweating

Yes    No

Trembling or shaking

Yes    No

Chest pain

Yes    No

Nausea or abdominal discomfort

Yes    No

Feelings of unreality or being detached from yourself

Yes    No

Fear of losing control or “going crazy”

Yes    No

Fear of dying

Yes    No

Numbness or tingling sensations

Yes    No

Chills or hot flushes

Yes    No

Go to great lengths to avoid participating?

Yes    No

Social anxiety may also be connected to other diagnoses such as depression. In addition, substance abuse, in particular alcohol is used most of the time as a way to cope with social anxiety. The questions below can help distinguish between social anxiety, depression, and/or substance abuse.

Have you experienced changes in sleeping or eating habits?

Yes    No

More days than not do you feel sad or depressed?

Yes    No

Are you not interested in life?

Yes    No

Do you feel worthless or guilty?

Yes    No

During the last year, have the use of alcohol or drugs been helpful to cope with?

Yes    No

Has your use placed you in a dangerous situation, such as driving a car under the influence?

Yes    No

Have you gotten arrested?

Yes    No

Do you continue despite problems you might have because of the use? 

If you answer yest to most of these questions, it is highly recommended you reach out to a health care provider to get treatment for a more fulfilling life.