Social anxiety disorder in Canada: sociodemographic and psychosocial correlates

Psychiatry Res. 2026 Jun 1;364:117252. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2026.117252. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study examines the lifetime prevalence of social anxiety disorder (SAD) in a representative sample of the adult Canadian population, as well as characteristics associated with SAD in this population. Secondary analyses were conducted on the nationally representative 2022 Canadian Mental Health and Access to Care Survey (MHACS). The World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview scale was used to identify individuals with lifetime occurrence of SAD which is based upon Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV (DSM-IV) criteria. The weighted lifetime prevalence of SAD was 13.9% among adults aged 20 and older. There was a negative dose-response relationship between age and SAD. For example, the lifetime prevalence of SAD was 24.2 % among adults aged 20-24 compared to 6.2% among those aged 65 and older. Demographic factors associated with higher odds of lifetime SAD included being female, Canadian-born, and single (compared to never married, widowed, separated, or divorced). Individuals who experienced childhood sexual abuse and/or parental domestic violence had higher odds of SAD, as did those who had one or more chronic health conditions, chronic pain, or those who had lifetime substance or alcohol use disorder. Psychosocial characteristics associated with SAD included lower perceived social support and reporting that spirituality was of limited or no importance in their lives. In contrast to expectations, personal income and childhood physical abuse were not significantly associated with SAD. The 2022 prevalence of lifetime SAD (13.9%) was much higher than was reported in a 2002 Canadian survey (8.1%), highlighting the need for increased awareness of SAD and for targeted support.

PMID:42259068 | DOI:10.1016/j.psychres.2026.117252