Comment on: Social anxiety disorder in Saudi adolescent boys: Prevalence, subtypes, and parenting styles as a risk factor

SummaryEpidemiologic surveys conducted across Europe indicate that the lifetime prevalence of social anxiety disorder in the general population is close to 7%. The disorder in adulthood rarely presents in its ‘pure’ form and 70–80% of patients have at least one other psychiatric disorder, most commonly depression. Social anxiety disorder is a risk factor for the development of depression and alcohol/substance use or dependence, especially in cases with an early onset (< 15 years). Individuals with social anxiety disorder have significant functional impairment, notably in the areas of initiation and maintenance of social/romantic relationships and educational and work achievement. The economic consequences of social anxiety disorder are considerable, with a high level of diminished work productivity, unemployment and an increased utilisation of medical services amongst sufferers. Effective treatment of social anxiety disorder would improve its course and its health and economic consequences.

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Specificity of social anxiety disorder as a risk factor for alcohol and cannabis dependence

Journal of Psychiatric Research ◽

10.1016/j.jpsychires.2007.01.002 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 42 (3) ◽

pp. 230-239 ◽

Cited By ~ 280

Author(s):

Julia D. Buckner ◽

Norman B. Schmidt ◽

Alan R. Lang ◽

Jason W. Small ◽

Robert C. Schlauch ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factor ◽

Anxiety Disorder ◽

Social Anxiety ◽

Social Anxiety Disorder ◽

Cannabis Dependence

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Social anxiety disorder as a risk factor for alcohol use disorders: A prospective examination of parental and peer influences

Drug and Alcohol Dependence ◽

10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2008.09.018 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 100 (1-2) ◽

pp. 128-137 ◽

Cited By ~ 51

Author(s):

Julia D. Buckner ◽

R. Jay Turner

Keyword(s):

Risk Factor ◽

Anxiety Disorder ◽

Social Anxiety ◽

Alcohol Use ◽

Social Anxiety Disorder ◽

Alcohol Use Disorders ◽

Peer Influences

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Etiology of Social Anxiety Disorder in Children and Youth

Behaviour Change ◽

10.1375/bech.21.3.162.55993 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 21 (3) ◽

pp. 162-172 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Joan Elizabeth ◽

Neville King ◽

Thomas H. Ollendick

Keyword(s):

Anxiety Disorder ◽

Social Anxiety ◽

Peer Relationships ◽

Social Anxiety Disorder ◽

Parenting Styles ◽

Children And Youth ◽

Traumatic Experience ◽

Behavioural Inhibition ◽

Parent Child Interactions ◽

Parent Child

AbstractSocial Anxiety Disorder is a heterogeneous and distressing problem for many children and youth. Unravelling its multiple causes is essential for a full understanding of the condition. This selective review focuses on the etiology and maintenance of SAD, and examines research findings in several key areas of investigation: genetic or hereditary factors (twin and family studies), temperament characteristics (behavioural inhibition), and parent-child interactions (attachment, parenting styles). We conclude that genetic influences, behavioural inhibition and parent-child interactions play significant and interactive roles in the development and maintenance of social anxiety disorder. Other influences are also acknowledged, such as peer relationships, social skills deficits and traumatic experience. Ultimately, an understanding of such pathways should facilitate effective early screening and intervention of children at risk for severe social anxiety.

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