Look Closer . . . I Am Not “Just Shy”: Recognizing Social Anxiety Disorder: A Case Study

Early recognition, assessment, and treatment of social anxiety disorder are criteria to prevent persistent functional impairment in educational and occupational settings and in relationships. Individuals who avoid social settings due to the fear of embarrassment miss out on activities, learning opportunities, and interactions with others. Those who work with children in schools or health care settings are in an ideal position to help those who often don’t have a voice. The 2013 updated NICE guideline, Social Anxiety Disorder: Recognition, Assessment and Treatment, has been critically reviewed and applied to a case study. The guideline is intended to provide evidence-based best practice advice for providers on how to recognize, complete assessments of, and treat social anxiety disorder.