Social phobia in Saudis.

Abstract

Social phobia is a notably common disorders among Saudis, constituting approximately 13% of all neurotic disorders seen in our clinic. A group of 35 patients who met the D. S. M. III criteria of social phobia were compared to a randomly selected 270 clinic patients. They were observed to be predominantly young, unmarried males, with a relatively higher educational and occupational level. They are also less likely to report psycho-social stresses as a contributing cause for their problem. Generally, psychopharmacological treatment is not so effective as in controls. 37% of the patients have other types of psychiatric diagnosis as well. 46% have other types of phobic disorders. The environmental and social basis of the disorder in the context of Saudi Arabian culture is discussed.