What is the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale?
You can use the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, on this page, for free. It is a social anxiety disorder test which will give you results on an anxiety scale.
This anxiety self test is quick, straightforward and easy to use. You can read this page for more information on the social anxiety test’s background or (Skip to the test)
Having the fear of speaking in front of a large audience is one thing, but when you are scared of ordinary things like talking on a public phone or meeting new people, life can get complicated. Those who suffer from social anxiety have trouble making friends and interacting with others in a professional setting. They can even be held back from attending social functions at school with their children and doing other things that most people find enjoyable.
The Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale is a short test that asks patients to identify how much anxiety or fear they feel in particular situations as well as how often they avoid those situations. There are two answers for all 24 questions, one based on the level of fear or anxiety typically felt (none, mild, moderate, or severe) and the second based on how frequently circumstances are avoided (never, occasionally, often, or usually).
The scores are all added together to determine a numerical score which translates into how severe a patient's social anxiety is. The Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale tests for the current levels of social anxiety since answers are to be based upon reactions in the previous week, not over the course of a lifetime.Doctors often use the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale to determine whether a patient has a serious social anxiety disorder or a social phobia. Since it is now available online in electronic form, many people are using it for self-diagnosis as well.
If you believe social anxiety is standing in the way of you leading a fulfilling social life, then it is to your advantage to look up a copy of the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale and see how your symptoms and avoidance patterns stack up. It could help you pinpoint a social phobia that needs further treatment from a professional or it could put your mind at east knowing that you do not have a serious social phobia.
Most people who take the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale on their own already know that they have some level of social anxiety. They know that they feel incredibly awkward in particular social situations and that it goes beyond just the stereotypical stage fright or basic shyness.
If you also know that you have many symptoms of a social anxiety disorder, the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale is a great way to determine whether your condition may be serious or just a mild concern. Of course, you can't supplement these results with your own feelings. If you feel you are held back from a full, active social life by anxiety, then it is worth exploring the matter with a professional.
Even mild cases of social anxiety can create major disturbances in your social life. If you avoid social situations that you would really love to attend because of anxiety over talking to new people, interacting with the opposite sex, or just being consumed in a group, chances are you can benefit from seeing what the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale has to say about it. From there you can determine whether you want to make an appointment with a professional and explore treatment or not.
The Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale is extremely accurate as long as you answer honestly. This can take some patience as you try to honestly assess your reactions in different situations. Having someone close to you help may increase accuracy as you are more accurate with the answers.
Ready? The Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale
Here are 24 social situations for you to consider.
In the first column, rate your level of fear on a scale of 0 (meaning no fear) to 3 (meaning total fear). Circle the number.
In the second column, rate how much you would avoid the situation on a scale of 0 (meaning no avoidance) to 3 (meaning total avoidance). Circle the number.
| Situation | Fear Level | Avoidance |
| 1. Using a telephone in public | 0 1 2 3 | 0 1 2 3 |
| 2. Participating in a small group activity | 0 1 2 3 | 0 1 2 3 |
| 3. Eating in public | 0 1 2 3 | 0 1 2 3 |
| 4. Drinking with others | 0 1 2 3 | 0 1 2 3 |
| 5. Talking to someone in authority | 0 1 2 3 | 0 1 2 3 |
| 6. Public Speaking | 0 1 2 3 | 0 1 2 3 |
| 7. Going to a party | 0 1 2 3 | 0 1 2 3 |
| 8. Working while being observed | 0 1 2 3 | 0 1 2 3 |
| 9. Writing while being observed | 0 1 2 3 | 0 1 2 3 |
| 9. Writing while being observed | 0 1 2 3 | 0 1 2 3 |
| 10. Calling someone you don't know very well | 0 1 2 3 | 0 1 2 3 |
| 11. Talking face to face with someone you don't know well | 0 1 2 3 | 0 1 2 3 |
| 12. Meeting strangers | 0 1 2 3 | 0 1 2 3 |
| 13. Urinating in a public bathroom | 0 1 2 3 | 0 1 2 3 |
| 14. Entering a room when others are already seated | 0 1 2 3 | 0 1 2 3 |
| 15. Being the center of attention | 0 1 2 3 | 0 1 2 3 |
| 16. Speaking up at a meeting | 0 1 2 3 | 0 1 2 3 |
| 17. Taking a test of your ability, skill, or knowledge | 0 1 2 3 | 0 1 2 3 |
| 18. Expressing disagreement or disapproval to someone you don't know very well | 0 1 2 3 | 0 1 2 3 |
| 19. Looking someone who you don't know very well straight in the eyes | 0 1 2 3 | 0 1 2 3 |
| 20. Giving a prepared oral talk to a group | 0 1 2 3 | 0 1 2 3 |
| 21. Speaking to a person with view to a romantic/sexual relationship | 0 1 2 3 | 0 1 2 3 |
| 22. Returning goods to a store for a refund | 0 1 2 3 | 0 1 2 3 |
| 23. Giving a party | 0 1 2 3 | 0 1 2 3 |
| 24. Resisting a high pressure sales person | 0 1 2 3 | 0 1 2 3 |
| Add scores and total both columns |
Now add both columns for your final result.
The scoring scale:
55-65 Moderate social phobia
65-80 Marked social phobia
80-95 Severe social phobia
Greater than 95 - Very severe social phobia
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