Who is affected by social phobia?

• Social phobia is the third most common psychiatric condition (Anxiety Disorders Alliance, 2003).
• It is estimated that 3%-13% of the population will experience social phobia at some point in their lifetime (APA, 2002).
• Social phobia typically begins in mid-adolescence, with onset in early childhood for some (APA, 2002). Onset after 25 years of age is considered quite rare.
• Social phobia is equally prevalent in men and women.
• Social phobia occurs in all cultures, but may present differently across cultures, based on culturally specific social codes of conduct.