ABSTRACT
Social anxiety disorder (social phobia) is one of the most common mental disorders. Recent epidemiological studies have reported a lifetime prevalence for social anxiety disorder of around 13 to 14% (1, 2). Being so common and having a typical onset in midadolescence (3) and a lengthy course (4), social anxiety disorder is responsible for considerable and prolonged individual suffering. It is also associated with marked impairment in social and occupational function, reduction in quality of life, increased risk of alcohol and drug abuse, and an increased risk of attempted suicide. The condition is therefore also associated with a substantial economic burden.
