Background
Epidemiological studies indicate that social anxiety disorder is one of the most
common mental health disorders. However, despite the prevalence of social anxiety disorder, a
large amount of information, the possibilities of psychotherapy and medical treatment, many
patients for various reasons do not receive or do not seek help.
Aim
Generalization of actual knowledge and research on the aetiology and pathogenetic
mechanisms of social phobias and coverage of the actual issues of low referral of people
suffering from social phobia
Methods
For review, the following databases, such as ScienceDirect, ResearchGate, PubMed and
Google Scholar, were used. The search was performed using the keywords: social anxiety disorder,
sociophobia, social anxiety, cognitive-behavioral model, neurobiology, mental health.
Results
The general information about social anxiety disorder, its prevalence and its
consequences were covered. The main etiological mechanisms, modern views on the neurobiological
and psychological basis of the disorder are considered. In addition, the peculiarities of the
clinical picture and its influence on the social functioning of the individual, including the
referral of help, were analyzed. The aspects that are useful to consider during the development
of recommendations for specialists in general medical practice and centers of public mental
health were suggested.
Conclusion
A social anxiety disorder should be considered as a complex mental health disorder.
Recognition of signs of social anxiety disorder in their component often leads to a false
interpretation of clinical signs as manifestations of depression or other neurotic disorders
among primary care professionals. Informing general practitioners and specialists of public
mental health centers about the traits of the clinical picture and the social functioning of
patients with this disorder can help to overcome the stigma and improve the referral of
qualified assistance.
Assessing Social Anxiety in African American Youth using the Social Phobia and Anxiety Inventory for Children
