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Co-morbid social phobia in schizophrenia
Doron Mazeh1, Ehud Bodner, Ronit Weizman
1Abarbanel Mental Health Centre, Bar-Ilan University, Israel. mazehdor@netvision.net.il
The International Journal of Social Psychiatry
|April 23, 2009
Summary
Social anxiety disorder co-occurs with schizophrenia in 11% of patients. This comorbidity may impact symptom severity, highlighting the need for further investigation into treatment strategies for schizophrenia patients.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Comorbidity of anxiety disorders and schizophrenia is an emerging research area.
- Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is particularly relevant for schizophrenia patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of social phobia in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia.
- To identify correlates associated with social phobia in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- Schizophrenia, schizoaffective, and anxiety disorders diagnosed using DSM-IV and the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnosis (SCID-P).
- Symptom severity assessed via the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS) and Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS).
Main Results:
- 11% (13 of 117) of schizophrenia patients had comorbid social phobia.
- Higher PANSS total scores were observed in patients with social phobia.
- Significant correlations found between LSAS fear scores and PANSS positive subscales; avoidance scores linked to negative symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Social anxiety disorder is a common comorbidity in schizophrenia.
- Further research is required to explore treatment implications for this dual diagnosis.
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