Social Phobia Symptoms: Prevalence and Sociodemographic Correlates

Background: Social phobia is a highly prevalent disorder in western countries, but is rather rare in eastern societies. Prevalence rates range from 0.5% in eastern studies and up to 16% in western studies. The present study examined the prevalence of social phobia in the Iranian general population and demographic characteristics associated with this anxiety disorder. Methods: Participants included 701 subjects from Golestan Province. Measures included the Social Phobia Inventory and a socio-demographic questionnaire. Demographic correlates of social phobia were also examined. Results: Probable social phobia was present in 10.1% of the total sample (8.6% male and 11.6% female). Sex, social support, residence, education, and job correlated with social phobia. Conclusions: Our findings corroborate those from other studies in western countries, both regarding the high prevalence of SP symptoms and its demographic correlates.