Social anxiety's serious impact

Clinical Psychiatry News, May, 2008 by Alicia Ault

A survey commissioned by the Anxiety Disorders Association of America has found that about a third of the respondents with social anxiety disorder said that they had symptoms for 10 years or more before seeking help. The survey portrayed individuals who had difficulty finding or keeping friends or romantic partners.

Thirty-four percent said the disorder led to serious fights with significant others, and 77% said that when they are not treated, the disorder has a negative impact on romantic relationships. Seventy-five percent said social anxiety inhibited their ability to function normally. Fifty-eight percent said they were embarrassed by their disorder. Patients with social anxiety disorder typically try to hide their condition, and therefore become more anxious and isolated, according to the association. Survey respondents indicated that treatment seems to help: 59% who were treated said it helped them have romantic relationships. The survey was conducted in December; 578 people with anxiety, 276 people with obsessive-compulsive disorder, and 287 with social anxiety disorder were queried by Harris Interactive. All agreed to be invited to participate. The ADAA received an unrestricted educational grant from Jazz Pharmaceuticals Inc. to support public awareness efforts about the disorder.