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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology 12/2010

Open Access 01-12-2010 | Original Paper

Specific phobia predicts psychopathology in young women

Authors: Julia Trumpf, Jürgen Margraf, Noortje Vriends, Andrea H. Meyer, Eni S. Becker

Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | Issue 12/2010

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Abstract

Background

Although specific phobia is characterized by an early age at onset and by high rates of comorbidity, few studies have examined comorbid relationships prospectively.

Objectives

The present study investigated the association between specific phobia and the risk of a broad range of psychopathology among young women in the community.

Method

Data came from the Dresden Predictor Study in which 1,538 German women (18–25 years) completed a diagnostic interview at two time points.

Results

Women with specific phobia had a twofold increase in odds of developing any anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, and any somatoform disorder during 17 months, compared to women without specific phobia. Except for depression, these associations persisted after adjustment for all comorbid mental disorders.

Conclusions

Specific phobia thus appears to be a risk factor for a variety of problems. The result further underpins the necessity for early intervention for specific phobia to prevent later mental health problems.
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Metadata
Title
Specific phobia predicts psychopathology in young women
Authors
Julia Trumpf
Jürgen Margraf
Noortje Vriends
Andrea H. Meyer
Eni S. Becker
Publication date
01-12-2010
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology / Issue 12/2010
Print ISSN: 0933-7954
Electronic ISSN: 1433-9285
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-009-0159-5

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