DSM-III-R subtypes of social phobia: comparison of generalized social phobics and public speaking phobics

Article Abstract:

Since its inclusion in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, third edition (DSM-III), generalized social phobia has been further documented as a distinct phobia. It is characterized by a persistent fear of situations where an individual will be exposed to the possible scrutiny of others, accompanied by the fear that he will be embarrassed or humiliated. There exist other subtypes of this phobia that are restricted to specific areas of fear, such as speaking in public, eating in public establishments, or writing in front of other people. To further classify and distinguish between those with generalized social phobia and individuals with a subtype of social phobia, 35 patients with generalized social phobias were compared with 22 patients whose phobia was limited to public speaking. When rated by interviewers, the generalized social phobics were more severely phobic than those with public speaking phobia. Generalized social phobics reported greater anxiety, more depression, and greater fears regarding their social behavior. This group also had lower performance on behavioral tests and different responses to cognitive assessment tasks than those with public speaking phobia. Physiological differences were also observed between the two groups. The public speaking phobics had marked increases in their heart rate patterns during the behavioral test; an extreme peak of cardiovascular arousal occurred in this group, which was not noted in those with generalized social phobia. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in levels of depression and general anxiety, but qualitative differences were notable. These findings are discussed and implications for treatment and classification are summarized. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Psychological aspects, Social perception, Public speaking

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Assessment of anxiety in social interaction and being observed by others: the social interaction anxiety scale and the social phobia scale

Article Abstract:

The Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS)and the Social Phobia Scale (SPS) were tested for their applicability in measuring anxiety in social interaction situations and anxiety in situations involving observation by others. The validation tests showed that SIAS is somewhat more valid and reliable. However, both scales may be used for the assessment of social phobias. In addition, these scales may also be used in determining subtypes of social phobia as well as in the analysis of types of situations feared by social phobic patients.

Measurement, Anxiety

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One versus five sessions of exposure in the treatment of injection phobia

Article Abstract:

A study on the treatment for subjects with a phobia for injections and venipunctures was conducted. The sample size was 40 people identified to have this particular phobia. Single exposure and multiple exposure treatments were compared and it was found that both methods were equally effective. The single exposure treatment is preferred over the multiple exposure treatment. If the single exposure treatment were to prove ineffective, it can be extended into a multiple exposure treatment, which is just as effective.

Care and treatment

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