Impact of Generalized Social Anxiety Disorder in Managed Care

The authors determined the costs associated with generalized social anxiety disorder in a managed care-setting. In a community cohort of HMO members, generalized social anxiety disorder was rarely diagnosed (0.5%) or treated despite being highly prevalent (8.2%) & associated with direct & indirect costs, comorbid depression, and impairment. Noncomorbid generalized social anxiety disorder was associated with lower quality of life, work productivity & earnings & greater utilization of health services. Suicide was attempted by 21.9% of subjects with noncomorbid generalized social anxiety disorder. (31 refs.)