Social anxiety disorder

Abstract

Social anxiety disorder (SAD), also referred to as social phobia, is characterized by persistent fear and avoidance of social situations due to fears of evaluation by others. SAD can be highly distressing, and it can interfere with school, work, and social life as sufferers avoid social or performance situations. Although many individuals with SAD report that their level of anxiety varies with the gender of those with whom they interact, and it has long been observed that men are overrepresented among patients seeking treatment for SAD relative to other anxiety disorders, there has been little study of gender differences in SAD. The gender literature that does exist for SAD, however, offers interesting implications for researchers and clinicians. This chapter will provide an overview of SAD with a specific focus on evidence for gender differences within this disorder.