Social Anxiety Disorder

Question 1

DSM Criteria

Answer 1

1. Marked fear or anxiety about one or more social situations in which the individual is exposed to possible scrutiny by others (in children this must be among peers not just with adults!)
2. Individual fears that they will act in a way or show anxiety symptoms that will be negatively evaluated
3. social situations almost always provoke fear or anxiety
4. social situate are avoided or endured with intense fear or anxiety
5. fear or anxiety is out of proportion to the actual threat posed by social situations and to the sociocultural context
6. the fear, anxiety or avoidance is persistent, typically lasting for 6 months or more
7. causes clinically significant diseases or impairment in life
8. not attributed to effects of a substance or medical issue
9. is not better explained by another mental disorder
10. if another medical issue is present the fear, anxiety, or avoidance is clearly unrelated or is excessive

Question 2

Prevalence

Answer 2

One of the most prevalent psychiatric disorders in the US

Question 3

Onset age

Answer 3

13-20

Question 4

Comorbidity

Answer 4

W/ other anxiety disorders as well as SUD (it will predate the SUD)

Question 5

Treatment

Answer 5

CBT; but this CBT is intermixed with exposure therapy and medications