Relations among symptoms of social phobia subtypes, avoidant personality disorder, panic, and depression

Behav Ther. 2010 Mar;41(1):2-13. doi: 10.1016/j.beth.2008.10.002. Epub 2008 Oct 31.

Abstract

This study's primary goal was to examine relations between symptoms of specific social phobia (SSP), generalized social phobia (GSP), avoidant personality disorder (APD), and panic and depression. Past research has suggested a single social phobia continuum in which SSP displays less symptom severity than GSP or APD. We found SSP symptoms correlated less strongly with depression but more strongly with panic relative to both GSP and APD symptoms. These findings challenge a unidimensional model of social phobia, suggesting a multidimensional model may be more appropriate. These findings also inform current research aimed at classifying mood and anxiety disorders more broadly by identifying that the different factors of fear versus distress appear to underlie different subtypes of social phobia.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Depressive Disorder / classification
  • Depressive Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Panic Disorder / classification
  • Panic Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Personality Disorders / classification
  • Personality Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Phobic Disorders / classification
  • Phobic Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Regression Analysis
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult