Lifetime patterns of social phobia: A retrospective study of the course of social phobia in a nonclinical population

✍ Scribed by Mariette J. Chartier; Andrea L. Hazen; Murray B. Stein

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1998
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 76 KB
• Volume: 7
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1091-4269
• DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1520-6394(1998)7:3<113::aid-da3>3.0.co;2-c

✦ Synopsis

This study describes the natural course of social phobia as recalled by a sample of nonclinical subjects and explores, using qualitative research methods, perceived risk factors and factors that may cause changes in its course. Thirtynine respondents with a lifetime diagnosis of social phobia were interviewed using a semistructured interview schedule based on DSM-IV criteria. Four main lifetime patterns emerged: a slight worsening of social phobic symptoms over time, no change, slight improvement and complete remission. Thirtyeight percent of the sample was in remission at the time of interview. The mean age of onset was 12.8 ± 4.1 years. The average duration of illness was 29.0 ± 12.7 years. Factors perceived by respondents to precipitate social phobia, using content analysis, were family and school environment, onset of adolescence, low

self-esteem, temperament and poverty. Factors perceived to improve symptoms were building self-esteem, exposure, determination, maturity and counseling. Factors perceived to worsen symptoms were avoidance, exposure to negative attention and comorbid disorders. Depression and Anxiety 7:113-121, 1998.