Recent developments in child and adolescent social phobia

Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2000 Aug;2(4):347-52. doi: 10.1007/s11920-000-0080-9.

Abstract

The following article discusses research trends in childhood and adolescent social phobia during the past year. Of particular importance are findings regarding prevalence rates, cognitive variables and social skills deficits, temperamental influences, and the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Recent prevalence rates of social anxiety disorder in children and adolescents range from 0.5% to 4.0%. Findings regarding the role of cognitive processes and social skills deficits in childhood social phobia are supported. Recent longitudinal data investigating the stability of extremes of behavioral inhibition have found that it persists from childhood into adolescence. Initial data regarding the use of SSRIs suggest that they may be a promising treatment option.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Psychiatry / trends
  • Child
  • Child Psychiatry / trends
  • Cognition
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Phobic Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Phobic Disorders / epidemiology
  • Phobic Disorders / psychology*
  • Prevalence
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Social Behavior
  • Temperament*

Substances

  • Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors