Social phobia in later life

The hallmark of social phobia is a marked fear of embarrassment in common social situations. This can lead to the avoidance of social activities resulting in impairment at work and in one's personal life and a reduced quality of life. There has been little research done into the prevalence of social phobia among older people but a recent survey of 12,792 people over 55 in Canada found that 4.94% had suffered from social phobia at some point in their lives with 1.32% having suffered during the last year. Current social phobia declined with age and was more common in people with other mental-health problems. There was no correlation between a current diagnosis of social phobia and gender, marital or socioeconomic status.

Cairney, John ... [et al] - Epidemiology of social phobia in later life The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry March 2007, 15(3), 224-233