Specific phobia predicts psychopathology in young women.
BACKGROUND
Although specific phobia is characterized by an early age at onset and by high rates of comorbidity, few studies have examined comorbid relationships prospectively.


OBJECTIVE
The present study investigated the association between specific phobia and the risk of a broad range of psychopathology among young women in the community.


METHODS
Data came from the Dresden Predictor Study in which 1,538 German women (18-25 years) completed a diagnostic interview at two time points.


RESULTS
Women with specific phobia had a twofold increase in odds of developing any anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, and any somatoform disorder during 17 months, compared to women without specific phobia. Except for depression, these associations persisted after adjustment for all comorbid mental disorders.


CONCLUSIONS
Specific phobia thus appears to be a risk factor for a variety of problems. The result further underpins the necessity for early intervention for specific phobia to prevent later mental health problems.
Trumpf
Julia
J
Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, University of Basel, Missionsstrasse 60/62, 4055 Basel, Switzerland. julia.trumpf@unibas.ch
Margraf
Jürgen
J
Vriends
Noortje
N
Meyer
Andrea H
AH
Becker
Eni S
ES
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011336:Probability; D011379:Prognosis; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors