This paper gives an overview on the epidemiology of
social phobia. About 4.5% of the adult general populations
suffer from social phobia, i.e. it is the most frequent of all
anxiety disorders. Social phobia is clearly more frequent
among women than among men. About the half of all
individuals with social phobia suffer from any comorbid
mental disorders. Reviews show a large variability between
single studies, probably due to methodological differences.
Several population surveys indicate that a marked proportion
of those with social phobia do not receive adequate treatment
