Can a pediatrician easily diagnose social anxiety disorder?

Possibly: Some pediatricians are more skilled than others in these types of issues. Many can make a preliminary assessment that includes S.A.D. in the differential, but this is a mental health disorder, and is best ultimately diagnosed by an expert in mental health and child development.

Sometimes: Most pediatricians do not have a lot of experience with DX and rx of mental illness, their training is limited and it really depends on their ability to make a judgement about what the book says and how well the info they are getting matches in an understandable way. Or seek consultation.

Why not: I know many pediatricians / primary doctors who are quite comfortable diagnose + treat SAD/ GAD or Obsessive traits.. With more awareness of how mental health impacts on our daily lives, it is logical to treat + counsel patients . The shortage , stigma, or cost of seeing a psychiatrist prevents many patients from dealing with their anxieties professionally. Most patients really appreciate help.