Letters to the Editor
Recognizing Social Anxiety Disorder
Dear Editor:
Social anxiety disorder (SAD), formerly known as social phobia, is among the most common of all psychiatric disorders. Indeed, the National Comorbidity Study found SAD to be the third most common psychiatric disorder, after major depression and alcohol dependence, with a lifetime prevalence of 13.3% (1). Despite its high prevalence and the negative impact it has on quality of life, SAD remains underrecognized (2).
Below is a mnemonic (memory aid) that describes the symptoms of social anxiety disorder as listed in the most recent diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (3).
The mnemonic is FAINT, with the letters representing the symptoms, as follows:
F: Fear of one or more social or performance situations in which the person may feel scrutinized, humiliated, or embarrassed.
A: Anxiety when exposed to the feared situations and Avoidance of the situation.
I: Insight into the unreasonableness of the fear and Interference with daily routine, occupational functioning, or social life.
N: Not due to medication, drug abuse, or a general medical condition.
T: Timing. In individuals under age 18 years, symptom duration is at least 6 months.
It is hoped that this mnemonic will improve recognition of social anxiety disorder and will result in more timely treatment for those suffering from this common condition.
References
1.Kessler RC, Stein MB, Berglund P. Social phobia subtypes in the National Comorbidity Survey. Am J Psychiatry 1998:155;61319.
2. Hidalgo RB, Barnett SD, Davidson JRT. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2001:4;27998.
3. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 4th ed. Washington (DC): American Psychiatric Association; 2000.
Mark Berber, MD, FRCPC, MRCPsych, MRCGP
Markham, Ontario
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