Affiliations: Institut fürMedizinische Psychologie,
Charit??Universitätsmedizin, Berlin | Abteilung für Klinische Psychologie,
Universität Düsseldorf | Psychologisches Institut, Universität
Leipzig | Abteilung für Medizinische Psychologie und
Medizinische Soziologie, Universität Leipzig
Abstract: Objectives: Paruresis is still a widely neglected form of social
phobia. Data concerning the prevalence rates as well as possible
sociodemographic risk factors or correlates are still missing. Nationally
representative data on point prevalence of paruresis are presented herein. Methods: Following a random-route procedure, more than 2500 subjects
in Germany were visited and asked to complete a questionnaire about paruresis
based on DSM-IV as well as sociodemographic variables. Main outcome measures
were the prevalence of paruresis in Germany. In additition, associations of
paruresis with sociodemographic correlates were examined. Results: The overall prevalence of paruresis is 2.6%. For women and
individuals with lower education the prevalence rate is higher than for men and
individuals with higher education. Conclusion: The results of this representative study show a higher
prevalence of paruresis in women than in men and an overall prevalence rate
which – compared to other disorders with similar prevalence rates –
calls for more intense future research efforts.
Keywords: paruresis, shy bladder syndrome, social phobia, prevalence
