Prevalence of phobic anxiety disorders in the adult population of Mexico City.

This report presents the lifetime and 12-month prevalence of phobic disorders in the adult population of Mexico City as well as their sociodemographic characteristics, the proportion of help-seekkers and the impediments reported by the affected subjects. The study was designed as a multistage household survey in a representative sample of the adult population aged 18 to 65 years old. The basic instrument was an amended version of CIDI 1.1. The prevalence of the disorders is shown following the ICD-10 research diagnostic criteria. The lifetime prevalence of the different phofic disorders in this population ranged from 2.8% to 2.1%, and was persistent. In general, ail phobic anxiety disorders were more frequent in women, and the female/male ratio was higher in agoraphobia (3.6:1). In both genders, the specific phobias showed an earlier age of onset. While social and specific phobias usually began, during the middle of the second decade of life, agoraphobia usually appeared in the middle of the third decade. Almost in all cases these disorders caused disabilities. Women sought more help than men, specially those with agoraphobia. Nevertheless, it is important to note that only from 10% to 30% of all the affected subjects with some kind of phobic disorder sought any kind of help. According to the type of disorder, some differences emerged: Most of those with agoraphobia and specific phobias seeked help from sorcerers, natural healers, priests and religious ministers. In conclusion, although phobic anxiety disorders were less frequent than depressive disorders, their persistence throughout life determines their importance, as well as that of their role in the development of psychopathology. Early detection and treatment, specially of social and specific phobias should be emphasized, as they appear at an earlier age.