Interpersonal problems in social phobia versus unipolar depression

Abstract

In this study we compared interpersonal problems in outpatients with social phobia (n=50) to those with unipolar depressive disorders (n=50). All participants completed the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems. Multivariate analyses of variance revealed significant group differences. Individuals with social phobia had significantly lower scores on the primary dimension of Control and significantly higher values on the Social Avoidance subscale than did individuals with depression. Our results support findings from former analogue studies. They indicate that social phobia is associated with severe social relationship problems that should be considered in treatment.