lic would not receive a diagnosis of social anxi ety disorder if this activity is not routinely
encountered on the job or in classroom work, an d if the individual is not significantly dis-
tressed about it. However, if the individual avoi ds, or is passed over for, the job or educa-
tion he or she really wants because of so cial anxiety symptoms, Criterion G is met. 
Associated Features Supporting Diagnosis
Individuals with social anxiety disorder may be inadequately assertive or excessively sub-
missive or, less commonly, highly controlling of the conversation. They may show overly
rigid body posture or inadequate eye contact, or  speak with an overly soft voice. These in-
dividuals may be shy or withdrawn, and they may be less open in conversations and dis-
close little about themselves. They may seek em ployment in jobs that  do not require social
contact, although this is not the case for indi viduals with social anxiety disorder, perfor-
mance only. They may live at home longer. Men may be delayed in marrying and having
a family, whereas women who would want to work outside the home may live a life as
homemaker and mother. Self-medication with substances is common (e.g., drinking be-
fore going to a party). Social anxiety among older adults may also include exacerbation of
symptoms of medical illnesses, such as increa sed tremor or tachycardia. Blushing is a hall-
mark physical response of social anxiety disorder.
Prevalence
The 12-month prevalence estimate of social an xiety disorder for the United States is ap-
proximately 7%. Lower 12-month prevalence esti mates are seen in much of the world us-
ing the same diagnostic instrument, clusteri ng around 0.5%–2.0%; median prevalence in