Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 3, 2026

Using the Threat Probability Task to Assess Anxiety and Fear During Uncertain and Certain Threat
Published on: September 12, 2014
Comorbidity of phobic disorders with alcoholism in a Canadian community sample
J Sareen1, M Chartier, K D Kjernisted
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, M5024 409 Taché Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6. sareen@cc.umanitoba.ca
Objectives:
To examine the relation between phobic disorders and alcoholism in a Canadian community sample.
Method:
Data came from the Mental Health Supplement of the Ontario Health Survey. The University of Michigan revision of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (UM-CIDI) was used to diagnose DSM-III-R psychiatric disorders in 8116 Canadian respondents between ages 15 and 64 years. Since the cross-system agreement (ICD-10 and DSM-III-R or DSM-IV) on the diagnosis of alcohol abuse is much lower than that for alcohol dependence, we also examined a WHO category, "hazardous alcohol use." Logistic regression controlling for age and sex was used to determine odds ratios (ORs) for phobic disorders and alcohol-use diagnoses.
Results:
Individuals with lifetime alcohol abuse or dependence had two- to threefold increased odds of having a phobic disorder. Simple phobia and social phobia with multiple fears were significantly associated (ORs 1.5 to 2) with hazardous alcohol use (which had a prevalence of approximately 10%).
Conclusions:
Given the early onset of most phobic disorders, the findings suggest that these are a risk factor for hazardous patterns of alcohol use.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
CNS Depressants: Alcohol and Nicotine
Anxiety: Overview
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
Preparedness and Phobias
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Panic Disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder

