A Study on Prevalence of Social Phobia and Some Related Factors among High School Students in Kerman in 1998

Abstract

Social phobia is one of phobias which is the least studied. Clinical characteristics of the disorder include, phobic avoidance of social situations somatic and cognitive symptoms of anxiety and impairment in functioning. No comprehensive research in Iran is available. The aim was study on prevalence of social phobia and some related factors among high school students in Kerman in 1998. In this cross – sectional study 2944 students were evaluated by DSM IV criteria for social phobia via semi structured interview. 14.6% fulfilled criteria for social phobia, female to male ratio was 1.8. There was meaningful statistical relationship between history of shyness during childhood and physical abuse with social phobia. Prevalence of this disorder was higher than same western researches. Complementary researches is recommended.

Keywords

• phobia disorders – epidemiology / students