Identifying Social Anxiety Disorder

Understanding psychological disorders involves recognizing various diagnostic criteria and how they manifest in behaviors and thoughts. One significant category of disorders is anxiety disorders, which can often affect individuals' daily lives in profound ways. Social anxiety disorder, previously known as social phobia, is characterized by intense fear or anxiety regarding social situations where one might be scrutinized by others. Consider the following vignette:

Alex has recently begun avoiding social gatherings and feels overwhelming nervousness whenever he is required to speak in front of a group, fearing that others will judge or criticize him. He often experiences physical symptoms such as sweating and a rapid heartbeat. Based on this description, which type of psychological disorder is Alex most likely experiencing?