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Specific fears and phobias. Epidemiology and classification
G C Curtis1, W J Magee, W W Eaton
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor 48109-0840, USA.
The British Journal of Psychiatry : the Journal of Mental Science
|February 2, 1999
Summary
The number of specific fears, regardless of type, strongly predicted impairment and comorbidity. This suggests that the quantity of fears may indicate a general predisposition to psychopathology.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Investigated prevalence and diagnostic validity of specific phobia subtypes using DSM-IV criteria.
- Analyzed data on eight specific fears representing DSM-III-R simple phobia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the prevalence of specific fears.
- To assess the validity of specific phobia subtypes as defined by DSM-IV.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a modified Composite International Diagnostic Interview.
- Administered to a probability sample of 8098 community respondents.
- Analyzed correlates of responses concerning specific fears.
Main Results:
- Most common specific fears: animals (women) and heights (men).
- Found limited evidence supporting specific phobia subtypes.
- The number of fears significantly predicted impairment, comorbidity, illness course, demographics, and family psychopathology.
Conclusions:
- The number of specific fears may indicate a general predisposition to psychopathology.
- Further research is required to clarify the existence and nature of specific phobia subtypes.