A hybrid model of social phobia: an analysis of social anxiety and related symptoms of anxiety

The categorical underpinnings of the current diagnostic nomenclature have been the subject of repeated criticism. Recently, researchers have proposed several alternatives to the current system, including hybrid models of combined diagnostic categories and symptom dimensions. In the present study, we investigated the symptoms associated with a hybrid model of social phobia. The study included (a) the development of the initial set of symptom dimensions, generation of an item pool, and review by an expert panel, and (b) data collection and component analysis of the item pool to determine the structure of the symptoms. Six separate theoretically relevant symptom dimensions were identified. Implications of these findings on the development of a new hybrid model of social phobia were discussed.