Which disorder is characterized by marked fear or anxiety about social situations due to the possibility of being scrutinized?

Social Anxiety Disorder is characterized by significant fear or anxiety in social situations where individuals may be exposed to scrutiny by others. This disorder encompasses the intense fear of being judged, humiliated, or embarrassed in social interactions. Individuals with Social Anxiety Disorder may worry excessively about their performance in these situations, fearing that they will behave in a way that will lead to negative evaluation.

This fear can manifest in various ways, such as avoiding social gatherings, public speaking, or engaging in conversations with unfamiliar people, significantly impacting one's daily life and functioning. The anxiety experienced is typically out of proportion to the actual threat posed by the social situation.

Meanwhile, Panic Disorder involves recurrent unexpected panic attacks, which are sudden surges of intense fear or discomfort. Selective Mutism is a childhood anxiety disorder involving consistent failure to speak in specific social situations where there is an expectation to speak, despite speaking in other settings. Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterized by chronic excessive worry about various aspects of life rather than specific situations, making Social Anxiety Disorder the most fitting answer in this context.