The Social Anxiety Report: Key Insights [2018]
The 2018 Knowledge Exchange Report produced by Unlocking Potential in collaboration with Quiet Connections provides a comprehensive analysis of social anxiety (and related conditions), including its prevalence and impacts, at a local, regional and national level. This article summarises some of the most important and surprising aspects of the report, shedding light on this often-misunderstood condition.
What is Social Anxiety?
Social anxiety, also known as social phobia, is characterised by an intense fear of social situations where individuals fear they may be judged, embarrassed, or humiliated. This fear is often disproportionate to the actual threat posed by these situations and can significantly impair daily functioning. People with social anxiety may experience physical symptoms such as blushing, sweating, shaking, or an anxious appearance, which they fear will lead to negative evaluations from others.
Prevalence and Demographics
Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is one of the most common anxiety disorders, with a lifetime prevalence of up to 12%. This rate is higher than for other anxiety disorders such as PTSD (7%), generalised anxiety disorder (6%), panic disorder (5%), and OCD (2%). Interestingly, social anxiety is more prevalent than major autoimmune conditions combined, such as rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes.
Women are more likely to experience social anxiety than men, fearing more social situations and scoring higher on social anxiety measures. However, men are more likely to seek treatment, often with less severe symptoms.
Economic Impact
The economic burden of social anxiety and other mental health issues is found to be substantial. In terms of healthcare costs, individuals with social anxiety incur higher expenses due to frequent GP visits, inpatient and outpatient care, home visits, and counselling. The annual mean healthcare cost per person with social anxiety is approximately £609, compared to £379 for those without a mental disorder.
The impact extends to employment, where mental health problems prevent 181,600 people from joining the labour force. In 2015, mental health-related issues resulted in 17.6 million sick leave days in the UK, accounting for 12.7% of all sick days. The economic cost to the UK GDP from workers leaving the workforce or reducing hours to care for someone with a mental health problem was estimated at £5.4 billion in 2015.
Challenges in Measuring Prevalence
Measuring the prevalence of mental health problems, including social anxiety, in the UK poses several challenges. These include underfunding, the hidden nature of mental health issues, and variations in diagnostic practices across regions. Devolved nations within the UK measure mental health in different ways, complicating direct comparisons. Additionally, differences in surveying techniques and diagnostic tools across countries further challenge the measurement of mental health prevalence.
Specific Findings in Cornwall and the South West
In Cornwall, approximately 7% of the adult population is affected by social anxiety, translating to around 35,000 individuals based on 2011 census data. However, this figure is debated, with estimates suggesting a slightly lower number of 31,145 adults by 2021. Generalised anxiety disorder affects about 2% of the population at some stage in their lifetime.
Social Anxiety and Comorbidities
Social anxiety often coexists with other mental health conditions. Among 14-24 year-olds with social anxiety, 41.3% also have a diagnosis of substance misuse, 31.1% have a mood disorder, and 49.9% have another anxiety disorder. This high rate of comorbidity highlights the complex nature of social anxiety and the need for comprehensive treatment approaches.
The Hidden Nature of Social Anxiety
Despite its prevalence, social anxiety is frequently under-recognised and under-treated. This lack of recognition leads to insufficient resource allocation for treatment and support, exacerbating the condition’s impact on individuals and society. The Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey (APMS) conducted every seven years provides some of the most reliable data on mental health trends, yet even this survey has limitations in capturing the full scope of social anxiety.
Conclusion
The 2018 Knowledge Exchange Report highlights the significant prevalence and impact of social anxiety, underscoring the need for greater awareness, improved diagnostic practices, and better resource allocation for treatment. By understanding the complexities and challenges associated with social anxiety, stakeholders can develop more effective strategies to support those affected and mitigate the broader economic impacts.
For those struggling with social anxiety, Quiet Connections can offer a valuable resource, providing support and fostering connections in a safe and understanding environment. By continuing to raise awareness and advocate for better mental health support, we can help those affected by social anxiety lead fuller, more connected lives.
Read the full 2018 Knowledge Exchange Report on Social Anxiety Here.
