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Published on: February 22, 2018
Social phobia and depression: prevalence and comorbidity
Maurice M Ohayon1, Alan F Schatzberg
1Stanford Sleep Epidemiology Research Center, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94303, USA. mohayon@stanford.edu
Journal of Psychosomatic Research
|February 18, 2010
Summary
Social phobia is common and significantly increases the risk of developing major depressive disorder (MDD). Early detection and treatment of social phobia are crucial for preventing depression.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
- Mental Health
Background:
- Social phobia significantly impairs individual functioning.
- It frequently co-occurs with other mental health conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the prevalence of social phobia.
- To determine the co-occurrence of social phobia with major depressive disorder (MDD).
- To analyze the interaction between social phobia and MDD.
Main Methods:
- Telephone interviews with 18,980 individuals aged 15+ in the UK and parts of Europe.
- DSM-IV diagnoses were established using the Sleep-EVAL system.
Main Results:
- The point prevalence of social phobia was 4.4%, higher in women and decreasing with age.
- Major depressive disorder (MDD) was present in 19.5% of individuals with social phobia.
- The risk of developing MDD two years after social phobia onset was 5.74.
Conclusions:
- Social phobia is highly prevalent and a significant risk factor for developing MDD.
- High comorbidity with other mental disorders, including depression, is noted.
- Systematic screening and treatment of social phobia are recommended for physicians.
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