Subtypes of social phobia and comorbidity with depression and other anxiety disorders.
Epidemiological studies have identified two subtypes of social phobia: speaking-only social phobia which is characterized by the fear of public speaking situations and complex social phobia which is characterized by the fear of multiple social situations. Speaking-only social phobia most closely corresponds to the DSM-IV's 'nongeneralized social phobia' while complex social phobia resembles 'generalized social phobia'. In contrast to the speaking-only social phobia, the complex form is usually more disabling, familial and longer-lasting. In addition, the complex form has a lower chance of spontaneous recovery and carries a higher risk of comorbidity and impairment. Overall, both types of social phobia tend to be underdiagnosed and under-treated. Effective treatments which can manage not only complex social phobia, but also its spectrum of comorbid conditions, are required.
Stein
M B
MB
Department of Psychiatry, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla 92093-0985, USA.
Chavira
D A
DA
D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D015897:Comorbidity; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales