A 29-year-old woman complains of feeling anxious while at work. Since adolescence she has been worried about speaking in front of others, worrying that she would start sweating profusely and look stupid.

She tends to avoid socializing with friends and travelling in other peoples' cars. She has only worked intermittently over the past 10 years because she resigns from jobs after several months as she nds it difcult working effectively with other people. Her longest period of employment was as a cleaning lady for an ofce block, when she would only start work after the ofce workers had gone home.

In social situations she tends to drink too much alcohol in an effort to relax, and feels that on occasion she may have made a fool of herself.

1. What is the likely diagnosis for this patient?
2. What are some of the predisposing factors that may be contributing to this disorder?
3. What are some of the maintaining factors that keep this disorder present?
4. What are some of the treatment options for this patient?