Social Phobia Among Adults - Statistics ad Prevalence

Social phobia is characterized by a persistent, intense, and chronic fear of being watched and judged by others and feeling embarrassed or humiliated by their actions. This fear may be so severe that it interferes with work, school, and other activities and may negatively affect the person’s ability to form relationships.

1. Social phobia affects 15 million adults, or 6.8% of the U.S. population.
2. Social phobia is equally common among men and women andtypically begins around age 13. According to a 2007 ADAA survey, 36% of people with social anxiety disorder report experiencing symptoms for 10 or more years before seeking help.
3. Despite the availability of effective treatments, fewer than 5% of people of with social anxiety disorder seek treatment in the year following initial onset and more than a third of people report symptoms for 10 or more years before seeking help.
4. Social phobia affects approximately 15 million American adults and is the second most commonly diagnosed anxiety disorder following specific phobia.