medtests.de · Social anxiety

Social Anxiety Test

This self-test uses the SPIN, the Social Phobia Inventory: 17 questions about fear, avoidance, and physical symptoms in social situations over the past week. It can't diagnose social anxiety disorder, but it shows you how strong the pattern is right now.

Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN)

How much have the following problems bothered you during the past week?

17 questions~3 minanonymous, scored in your browsernot a diagnosis

What does the SPIN measure?

The SPIN covers the three faces of social anxiety: fear (of criticism, embarrassment, authority figures, being the center of attention), avoidance (of parties, speaking up, talking to strangers), and physical reactions (blushing, sweating, trembling, a racing heart). Each item scores 0 to 4 by intensity, for a total of 0 to 68. Nineteen and above is the validated screening cutoff; higher bands indicate moderate to very severe symptom levels.

What does the result mean?

Almost everyone knows stage fright and awkward moments. Social anxiety as a disorder is different in degree and cost: the fear is persistent, the avoidance shapes real decisions, and everyday situations get planned around it. If your score is 19 or above and that description fits your life, a professional conversation is worth having. Social anxiety responds well to therapy, particularly cognitive behavioral approaches. A lower score with a lot of personal suffering is still a perfectly valid reason to seek support.

Source

Connor KM, Davidson JRT, Churchill LE, Sherwood A, Foa E, Weisler RH. Psychometric Properties of the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN). British Journal of Psychiatry, 2000.

Frequently asked questions

At what score does the test suggest social anxiety?

Nineteen or more out of 68 is the established screening threshold. Higher scores indicate more pronounced social anxiety.

Is stage fright already social anxiety?

No. Almost everyone knows nervousness. Social anxiety as a disorder differs in degree and cost: the fear is persistent, avoidance shapes decisions, and daily life gets planned around it.

Scoring: what your points mean

ScoreLevelWhat it means
0-10 none to minimal minimal range.
11-18 mild mild symptom level.
19-30 moderate at or above the cutoff (19), professional evaluation may be worthwhile.
31-40 severe severe symptom level.
41-68 very severe very severe symptom level.

Severity bands from the published questionnaire. A screening is orientation, not a diagnosis.

i
Reviewed by our editorial team

Instrument, scientific basis, and limitations checked. Last updated July 2026. Independent, anonymous, not a diagnosis.

After the test

A social anxiety result is a signal, not a verdict. Note what stood out and use it as a starting point for a conversation with a medical or mental-health professional.

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