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Social Phobia in General Health Care: An Unrecognised Undertreated Disabling Disorder

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

E. Weiller ,
J. -C. Bisserbe ,
P. Boyer ,
J. -P. Lepine  and
Y. Lecrubier
E. Weiller*
Affiliation:
Inserm U302, Hôpital de la Salpêtrière, Pavilion Clérambault
J. -C. Bisserbe
Affiliation:
Inserm U302, Hôpital de la Salpêtrière, Pavilion Clérambault
P. Boyer
Affiliation:
Hôpital Sainte-Anne, CMME, 1010, rue de la Santé, 75014 Paris
J. -P. Lepine
Affiliation:
Hôpital Fernand Widal, 200, rue du Faubourg St-Denis, 75010 Paris
Y. Lecrubier
Affiliation:
Inserm U302, Hôpital de la Salpêtrière, Pavilion Clérambault
*
E. Weiller, Inserm U302, Hôpital de la Salpêtrière Pavilion Clérambault, 47, bd de l'Hôpital, 75651 Paris cedex 13, France
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Abstract

Background

This study explored the prevalence of social phobia (SP) in general health care, sociodemographic characteristics of patients with SP, the age at onset and severity of SP, its comorbidity with other psychiatric disorders, and the recognition by general practitioners.

Method

The study was conducted in Paris as part of the WHO study on Psychological Problems in General Health Care. Among 2096 consecutive primary care patients, 405 were interviewed using the CIDI. DSM–III–R diagnoses, severity and disability were assessed.

Results

The one-month prevalence of SP is high (4.9) in primary care, although underdiagnosed by GPs. It has an early onset and leads to substantial disability. Patients with SP are at risk of developing further depression, alcoholism or suicidal behaviour.

Conclusion

SP appears to be a true and frequently severe pathological condition. The awareness of GPs and the general population should be improved.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 168 , Issue 2 , February 1996 , pp. 169 - 174
Copyright
Copyright © 1996 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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