Social phobia subtypes in the general population revealed by cluster analysis

Background. Epidemiological data on subtypes of social phobia are scarce an d their defining features are debated. Hence, the present study explored th e prevalence and descriptive characteristics of empirically derived social phobia subgroups in the general population. Methods. To reveal subtypes, data on social distress, functional impairment , number of social fears and criteria fulfilled for avoidant personality di sorder were extracted from a previously published epidemiological study of 188 social phobics and entered into an hierarchical cluster analysis. Crite rion validity was evaluated by comparing clusters on the Social Phobia Scal e (SPS) and the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS). Finally, profile a nalyses were performed in which clusters were compared on a set of sociodem ographic and descriptive characteristics. Results. Three clusters emerged, consisting of phobics scoring either high (generalized subtype), intermediate (non-generalized subtype) or low (discr ete subtype) on all variables. Point prevalence rates were 2.0 %, 5.9 % and 7.7 % respectively. All subtypes were distinguished on both SPS and SIAS. Generalized or severe social phobia tended to be over-represented among ind ividuals with low levels of educational attainment and social support. Over all, public-speaking was the most common fear. Conclusions. Although categorical distinctions may be used, the present dat a suggest that social phobia subtypes in the general population mainly diff er dimensionally along a mild-moderate-severe continuum, and that the numbe r of cases declines with increasing severity.