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 phob ia to be far more common than previously thought. These studies have a lso found that social phobia is frequently associated with other comor bid psychiatric disorders ranging from specific phobia and substance a buse to major mood disorders, Studies of functional morbidity have fou nd that social phobia is associated with significant educational and e conomic incapacitation. The confluence of recent biological data suppo rts the contention that social phobia is a unique disorder, distinct f rom other anxiety disorders such as panic disorder or agoraphobia. The purpose of this article is to summarize research findings on this imp ortant and disabling disorder.