This article reviews the advances in epidemiology regarding social phobia. For this purpose, we will provide a summary of the data about the prevalence of social phobia according to DSM criteria (DSM-III, 1980; DSM-III-R, 1987; DSM-IV, 1994). Sociodemographic factors such as age of onset, gender distribution, marital, education and socioeconomic status will also be considered. Given social phobia is frequently associated with comorbid disorders, data will be presented on the comorbidity rates of social phobia and other anxiety disorders, mood disorders, alcohol/substance abuse as well as eating disorders. Finally, suggestions for future research on epidemiologic studies of social phobia will also be made.