As professionals no longer distinguish between different types of social anxiety disorder (generalized vs. specific), this scale would now be used for the assessment of social anxiety disorder of all types. Previously, the “generalized” subtype referred to people who experienced trouble with many social and performance situations, while the “specific” subtype referred to people who had trouble with only one (often public speaking).
How the Mini-SPIN Is Administered
The Mini-SPIN is generally used as a screening instrument for social anxiety disorder. Your doctor may use the questions on the Mini-SPIN to determine whether you are at risk for this disorder. Because experts now recommend anxiety screening during routine exams for all women and girls over age 13, the Mini-SPIN is one type of assessment you might encounter during a doctor’s visit. A score on this instrument can’t determine whether you meet the criteria for a SAD diagnosis. Rather, it is the first step that your doctor might use to see whether further testing and evaluation is needed. The Mini-SPIN contains three items about avoidance and fear of embarrassment that you rate based on the past week. The items are rated using a 5-point Likert scale:
0 = Not at all1 = A little bit2 = Somewhat3 = Very much4 = Extremely
Scales such as this are often also used for research purposes when scientists want to determine the level of a problem in a large group or assess change over time in a particular problem. In this case, they might use the Mini-SPIN to assess for risk of social anxiety disorder or change in social anxiety symptoms over time. Generally, however, a short assessment like this is used as a screening test to tell your doctor whether to move on or to ask more questions.
Information Provided by the Mini-SPIN
The Mini-SPIN is scored by summing the item ratings. Scores of 6 or higher on the Mini-SPIN indicate possible problems with social anxiety. Scores this high would generally be followed up with a full diagnostic interview for SAD with a trained mental health professional.
The Accuracy of the Mini-SPIN
With a cutoff score of 6 or greater, the Mini-SPIN showed 90% accuracy in diagnosing the presence or absence of generalized social anxiety disorder in a managed care population. Results from a 2016 study published in the journal Cognitive Behavioral Therapy demonstrated that the Mini-SPIN had an excellent ability to distinguish between people with and without social anxiety disorder in a clinical sample of individuals with other disorders.
How to Compute Your Mini-SPIN Score
Rate each of the three items above from 0 to 4. Add up the scores to compute your total score.
For example, if you answered 4 (extremely) to question 1, 3 (very much) to question 2, and 4 (extremely) to question 3, your total score would be 11.
Next, compare your score to the cutoff score of 6.
In this case, the score of 11 is well above the score of 6.
When used as a screening tool, scores of 6 or higher indicate possible problems with social anxiety.
A Word From Verywell
If you have a Mini-SPIN score that indicates a possible problem with social anxiety or you feel that your social anxiety is a hindrance, it is best to contact your doctor or a mental health professional for advice. While social anxiety can feel overwhelming, there are effective treatments that could help, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication, depending on your individual circumstances. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.
