Does comorbid Social Anxiety Disorder impact the clinical presentation of principal Major Depressive Disorder?

Background: Although previous research has examined comorbidity in principal Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), few studies have examined the disorders for which those with comorbid SAD seek treatment. Further, studies have shown that depressive disorders often are associated with SAD, but few have examined the clinical characteristics of patients with this particular comorbidity. Method: The current study examined the prevalence of various principal Axis I disorders in 577 individuals diagnosed with comorbid SAD. Results: Consistent with previous research, Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) was the most frequent principal diagnosis in patients with comorbid SAD. Those with principal MDD and comorbid SAD (MDD-SAD) were compared to those with MDD without SAD (MDD) on demographic and clinical characteristics. Patients with MDD-SAD versus those with MDD were more severe in terms of social functioning, duration of depressive episode, suicidal ideation, time out of work, presence of current alcohol abuse/dependence, and age of onset of MDD. Social functioning, duration of episode, suicidal ideation, and age of onset of MDD remained significant even after controlling for additional comorbid disorders. Conclusions: Findings suggest the need for future research to determine how treatments could be adapted for this commonly occurring comorbidity. (C) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.