Social phobia, unspecified

This code signifies an unspecified social anxiety disorder, characterized by marked and persistent fear of social or performance situations in which the individual is exposed to unfamiliar people or to possible scrutiny by others. The individual fears acting in a way that will be humiliating or embarrassing.

Assign this code when documentation indicates a diagnosis of social phobia without further specification of generalized or non-generalized type. This is appropriate when the provider has not documented the specific nature or extent of the social anxiety.

• Avoid using this code if the documentation specifies a generalized social anxiety disorder (e.g., F40.11).
• Ensure the medical record clearly supports a diagnosis of social phobia, even if unspecified.
• Query the provider for further specificity if the documentation is ambiguous regarding the type of social phobia.