Social anxiety disorder

Common mental health disorders (CMDs) are some of the more frequent reasons for contact with a GP and include depression and anxiety disorders. Social anxiety disorder (SAnD) is a form of anxiety and is thought to be one of the most common anxiety disorders. Individuals affected have an intense fear of social situations, the feeling of being judged and of others noticing the physical symptoms of their anxiety or perceiving poor performance. Onset is often in youth and persists into adulthood, with a biopsychosocial aetiology. SAnD is thought to be under-recognised by patients and under-diagnosed by clinicians; however, with a thorough assessment and diagnosis, there are evidence-based treatments that can help patients, including psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. Treatment differs for adults and under-18-year-olds, with no medication recommended in under-18-year-olds being the key change. The key role of a GP in both the recognition, assessment and management, as well as providing continuity of care, make this a disorder GPs should be familiar with.