Incidence of DSM-IV Social Phobia in a Community Sample of Young German Women

Background: Little is known in regard to the risk factors of social phobia. Longitudinal studies are necessary to identify those factors, and thus to help developing prevention strategies. Objective: This longitudinal study investigates precipitating risk factors and outcomes of the incidence of DSM-IV social phobia in a large community sample. Method: A German cohort of 1238 women (18-24 years) at risk for first incidence of social phobia completed a diagnostic interview and self-report questionnaires at two survey points approximately 15 months apart. Results: The estimated first incidence rate of DSM-IV social phobia was 4.2/100/year. Significant risk factors of the incidence of social phobia were not having a romantic partner, sub-threshold social phobia at baseline, higher interpersonal sensitivity, higher avoidance behavior, more dysfunctional attitudes and lower self-efficacy. Previous psychiatric disorders did not predict social phobia. At follow-up, social phobia was associated with comorbidities and major psychosocial problems. Conclusions: Young adult women are vulnerable to develop social phobia and psychological predictors play a major role in the development of social phobia. The development of social phobia might be a marker of a beginning “psychiatric career” (German J Psychiatry 2011; 14: 80-90).