How many people have social anxiety disorder?

The NICE Social Anxiety Guidance (Full Guidance 2013) states there are no UK epidemiological surveys that specifically report data on social anxiety disorder in adults. However, section 2.1.2 goes on to quote “…it is clear that social anxiety is one of the most common of all the anxiety disorders”.

The NICE guidance above (page 15, section 2.1.2) also quotes “data from the U.S. National Comorbidity Survey reveals that social anxiety disorder is the third most common psychiatric condition after major depression and alcohol dependence (Kessler et al., 2005a)”.

The U.S. NCS-R (12-Month Prevalence Table) and associated data at the U.S. National Comorbidity Survey show USA 12-month prevalence at 7% (including mild, moderate and severe cases). If such figures were replicated in the UK it would equate to 3.7 million adults.

The NICE guidance, again quoting USA data, but using “stricter criteria and face-to-face interviews” shows a lifetime prevalence of 5% and a 12-month prevalence of 3% (Grant et al, 2005).

If the USA 12-month prevalence figures were replicated in the UK, even using the stricter criteria, this would equate to over 1.5 million adults in the UK. Children and teenagers bringing the totals much higher.

Further USA data is available at www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/social-anxiety-disorder.

Adolescent prevalence rates in the UK are not currently known but USA data are at www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/social-anxiety-disorder – adolescents