A review of social phobia.

Social phobia is a disabling disorder that has only recently become a focus of investigation. Epidemiological studies have shown social phobia too be far more common than previously thought. These studies have also found that social phobia is frequently associated with other comorbid psychiatric disorders ranging from specific phobia and substance abuse to major mood disorders. Studies of functional morbidity have found that social phobia is associated with significant educational and economic incapacitation. The confluence of recent biological data supports the contention that social phobia is a unique disorder, distinct from other anxiety disorders such as panic disorder or agoraphobia. The purpose of this article is to summarize research findings on this important and disabling disorder.