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Social phobia in coeliac disease
Giovanni Addolorato1, Antonio Mirijello, Cristina D'Angelo
1Institute of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy. g.addolorato@rm.unicatt.it
Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology
|March 28, 2008
Summary
This study found a significantly higher prevalence of social phobia in coeliac disease (CD) patients compared to healthy individuals. This highlights a potential area for further investigation into the psychological well-being of those with CD.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Coeliac disease (CD) is associated with a high prevalence of anxiety and depression.
- Social phobia, a type of anxiety disorder, has not been previously investigated in CD patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the prevalence of social phobia in patients diagnosed with coeliac disease.
- To compare social phobia rates in CD patients versus a healthy control group.
Main Methods:
- The study included 40 coeliac disease patients and 50 healthy controls.
- Social phobia was assessed using the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS).
- Current depression was evaluated using the modified Zung Self-rating Depression Scale (M-SDS).
Main Results:
- A significantly higher percentage of CD patients (70%) exhibited social phobia compared to controls (16%).
- The prevalence of generalized social phobia was also significantly higher in CD patients (15%) versus controls (0%).
- CD patients showed a significantly higher rate of current depression (52.5%) than controls (8%), with a direct correlation between social phobia and depression.
Conclusions:
- Coeliac disease patients demonstrate a significantly elevated prevalence of social phobia compared to healthy individuals.
- Further research is warranted to explore potential risks associated with social phobia in CD, such as academic or occupational difficulties.
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