Self-reported symptoms of social anxiety in a sample of combat veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder

The relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and self-repo rted levels of social anxiety among combat veterans was assessed using the Social Phobia and Anxiety inventory (SPAI). Participants were 45 veterans w ith combat-related PTSD assessed using a multimeasure assessment package. T he veterans reported a high level of social anxiety and agoraphobia-like sy mptoms. Agoraphobia scores were predicted by PTSD severity and elevated by Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) scales of acute dist ress and psychopathology. Social phobia scores were predicted by severity o f depression. The relationship between social anxiety, depression, and PTSD is discussed. Implications for the assessment and treatment of PTSD are al so discussed. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd.