A 22-year-old university student experiences intense anxiety and physical symptoms like blushing, trembling, and sweating whenever he has to give a presentation, speak in class, or attend social gatherings. He fears being negatively judged or scrutinized by others. He often avoids these situations, which is now impacting his academic performance and social life. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

Explanation

The patient's symptoms of intense fear and anxiety in social situations where he might be scrutinized or negatively evaluated by others, leading to avoidance and significant impairment, are characteristic of Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia). Specific Phobia, Situational Type (Option A) would involve fear of specific non-social situations like flying or enclosed spaces. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (Option B) involves obsessions and compulsions. While Avoidant Personality Disorder (Option D) shares features of social avoidance and fear of negative evaluation, Social Anxiety Disorder is a more acute and focused anxiety disorder, often preceding or co-occurring with APD, but the primary diagnosis here based on the description of acute anxiety in social performance situations is Social Anxiety Disorder.