Free Online Social Anxiety Test
Assess social anxiety symptoms with this quick screening focused on fear of scrutiny, embarrassment, and social avoidance.
I am afraid of people in authority
About Social Anxiety Screening
Social anxiety disorder involves intense fear of being judged, embarrassed, criticised, or exposed in front of other people. It goes beyond normal shyness because it can strongly affect daily functioning and lead to significant avoidance.
This test focuses on fear and distress in common social situations such as talking to strangers, being observed, speaking up, or attending gatherings. It is designed to estimate how strongly social anxiety traits may be affecting you.
Social anxiety is one of the most treatable anxiety conditions, especially when therapy is tailored specifically to the social fear pattern rather than anxiety in general.
Common Signs & Symptoms of Social Anxiety
Understanding Your Score
Higher scores suggest stronger fear, avoidance, and distress in social situations. They also suggest social anxiety may be affecting confidence, work, friendships, or relationships more than you realise.
Your responses suggest minimal social anxiety symptoms.
Recommended next step: Continue building social confidence
Your responses suggest mild social anxiety that may occasionally affect you.
Recommended next step: Gradual exposure to social situations can help
Your responses suggest moderate social anxiety affecting daily life.
Recommended next step: CBT is highly effective for social anxiety
Your responses suggest significant social anxiety that may be limiting your life.
Recommended next step: Professional treatment can make a big difference
Effective Treatments for Social Anxiety
Social Anxiety Therapy
Targeted support for fear of judgment, embarrassment, avoidance, and the self-critical patterns that keep social anxiety going.
Learn about social anxiety treatmentCognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is one of the most effective treatments for social anxiety and can help reduce safety behaviours, negative predictions, and harsh self-monitoring.
Learn about CBTAnxiety Counselling
If social anxiety sits alongside broader worry or panic symptoms, anxiety-focused therapy can help you work on both patterns together.
Learn about anxiety counsellingSelf-Esteem Support
Social anxiety is often linked with low self-worth or shame, so some people also benefit from therapy that strengthens confidence and self-compassion.
Learn about self-esteem therapyFrequently Asked Questions About Social Anxiety Testing
Is social anxiety the same as shyness?
No. Shyness is a personality style, while social anxiety involves a stronger fear of being judged, embarrassed, or exposed and may lead to avoidance, physical symptoms, and major disruption to daily life.
What does this social anxiety test measure?
It screens for common signs of social anxiety such as fear of scrutiny, avoidance of social situations, distress about visible anxiety symptoms, and anxiety about speaking, meeting people, or being observed.
Can this test diagnose social anxiety disorder?
No. This is a screening tool only. A qualified clinician would need to assess how long symptoms have been present, how broadly they affect you, and whether other conditions might also be involved.
What treatment works best for social anxiety?
CBT is one of the most effective treatments for social anxiety, especially when combined with gradual exposure work and strategies that reduce self-focused attention and safety behaviours.
Can social anxiety get better with therapy?
Yes. Social anxiety is highly treatable, and many people improve significantly with evidence-based support. Therapy can help you reduce avoidance, feel safer socially, and build real confidence over time.
When should I seek help for social anxiety?
If fear of embarrassment or judgment is causing you to avoid work, dating, meetings, friendships, speaking up, or everyday social situations, it is worth getting support rather than pushing through alone.
When to Seek Help
If fear of judgment is holding you back socially, professionally, or romantically, therapy can help you step out of avoidance and feel more confident in situations that currently feel loaded or unsafe.
If distress is severe, your world is becoming smaller, or you are in crisis, contact your GP, NHS 111, or Samaritans on 116 123.
Overcome Social Anxiety with Expert Help
CBT for social anxiety has an excellent success rate. Our London-based therapists specialise in helping you build genuine confidence and engage fully in social situations without fear.