Which of the following statements is true of social anxiety disorder (SAD)?

• A. SAD symptoms typically begin only after the age of 50.
• B. SAD is primarily characterized by persistent delusions and hallucinations.
• C. Individuals with SAD experience intense fear or anxiety in social situations where they may be scrutinized by others.
• D. People with SAD rarely avoid social situations and do not experience distress in social settings.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the definition of Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). SAD is a psychological condition characterized by intense fear or anxiety about social situations where the individual may be judged, scrutinized, or embarrassed.
2. Step 2: Evaluate each statement based on the core features of SAD. For example, consider the typical age of onset, which usually occurs in adolescence or early adulthood, not after age 50.
3. Step 3: Recognize that SAD does not involve persistent delusions or hallucinations; these symptoms are more characteristic of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia.
4. Step 4: Identify that individuals with SAD often experience significant distress and tend to avoid social situations to prevent anxiety, which contradicts the statement that they rarely avoid social settings.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the true statement is the one describing intense fear or anxiety in social situations where individuals may be scrutinized, as this aligns with the diagnostic criteria for SAD.