Year: 2016
Type: article
Abstract: Background: Social anxiety disorder (SAD), a type of anxiety disorder, is one of the most common psychiatric disorders.Early SAD symptoms often go undetected in the community.Thus, the disorder tends to run a chronic course.It is important to improve awareness about this disorder and to identify the socio-cultural factors which may affect health-seeking behaviors as well as coping skills in SAD.Methods: A detailed literature review was conducted with a focus on the worldwide prevalence, identification of SAD and how socio-cultural elements influence the health-seeking behavior of sufferers.Factors affecting treatment and current therapeutic methods as well as possible negative coping skills employed and their attendant implications were also identified.Results: SAD has a worldwide distribution.Prevalence rates vary slightly across and within countries.Socio-cultural dynamics significantly influence prevalence rates, health-seeking behaviour of patients and their care-givers as well as factors affecting treatment.Conclusion: There is an imperative need for socio-cultural adaptation of investigative tools used in epidemiological surveys.Clinicians need to be aware of the prevailing socio-cultural dynamics and how it affects clinical presentation, treatment approach and possible outcomes for SAD.This would facilitate the institution of appropriate interventions and enhance patient satisfaction.
Author: Portia N. Osuji
Language: English
Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2461784261