Social anxiety disorder: An unrecognized problem in primary care

Social anxiety disorder, or social phobia, is one of the most common mental disorders, yet it remains underrecognized and undertreated. Individuals wi th social anxiety disorder frequently have psychiatric comorbidity, includi ng mood, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders, that can further impair a person's ability to function. This article reviews the literature on social anxiety disorder and explores questions regarding its prevalence, rates of recognition and treatment, and natural history. The association between so cial anxiety disorder and psychiatric comorbidity and suicide is reviewed, as well as quality-of-life issues, including the impact of social anxiety d isorder on educational attainment, occupational functioning and financial d ependency, marital status, and health care utilization. There is a need for further study and greater awareness among primary health care providers ab out the prevalence and treatment of social anxiety disorder.