Generalized anxiety disorder statistics

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Generalized Anxiety Disorder Statistics

Prevalence of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Globally

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a significant mental health issue worldwide, with varying prevalence rates across different regions. According to a comprehensive study involving 147,261 adults from 26 countries, the lifetime prevalence of GAD is 3.7%, with a 12-month prevalence of 1.8% and a 30-day prevalence of 0.8% . The prevalence is notably higher in high-income countries (5.0%) compared to middle-income (2.8%) and low-income countries (1.6%) . This disparity highlights the influence of socioeconomic factors on the occurrence of GAD.

GAD in Children and Adolescents

GAD is also prevalent among younger populations. A study conducted in Iran found a lifetime prevalence rate of 2.6% among children and adolescents aged 6-18 years . The study identified several predictors of GAD, including age, sex, maternal psychiatric history, maternal education, and place of residence . Comorbidity with other psychiatric disorders is common, with anxiety disorders being the most frequent comorbid condition .

GAD in Older Adults

In older adults, the prevalence of GAD remains significant. A study in Gothenburg, Sweden, reported a 1-month prevalence of GAD of 4.5% among 75-year-olds according to DSM-V criteria . The study also found a high comorbidity rate with depression and other psychiatric disorders, indicating that GAD in older adults often coexists with other mental health issues .

Treatment and Dropout Rates in Psychotherapy

Despite the availability of treatments, dropout rates in psychotherapy for GAD are a concern. A meta-analysis of 45 studies involving 2,224 participants found a weighted mean dropout rate of 16.99% . This dropout rate was not significantly influenced by factors such as client age, sex, symptom severity, comorbidity, or treatment type . Understanding and addressing the reasons for dropout is crucial for improving treatment outcomes.

Psychometric Properties of GAD Assessment Tools

The Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7) is widely used for screening and assessing the severity of GAD. Studies have confirmed its reliability and validity across different populations. For instance, a study involving 3,404 primary care patients supported the unidimensionality and decent fit of the GAD-7 using a graded response model . Another study in a Canadian sample found excellent internal consistency reliability and strong correlations with other anxiety measures . These findings underscore the utility of the GAD-7 in both clinical and research settings.

Conclusion

Generalized Anxiety Disorder is a prevalent and debilitating condition affecting individuals across different age groups and socioeconomic backgrounds. The disorder is more common in high-income countries and often coexists with other psychiatric conditions. While effective treatments are available, dropout rates in psychotherapy remain a challenge. Reliable assessment tools like the GAD-7 are essential for accurate diagnosis and monitoring of GAD. Addressing the global burden of GAD requires continued research and targeted interventions to improve treatment adherence and outcomes.

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Most relevant research papers on this topic

Cross-sectional Comparison of the Epidemiology of DSM-5 Generalized Anxiety Disorder Across the Globe

DSM-5 generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is more prevalent than DSM-IV GAD and is associated with substantial role impairment, particularly in high-income countries.

Observational StudyHighly Cited

2017·

320citations

·A. M. Ruscio et al.

Generalized anxiety disorder: Prevalence, predictors, and comorbidity in children and adolescents.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is prevalent in Iranian children and adolescents aged 6-18, with age, sex, mother history of psychiatric hospitalization, mother education, and residence being significant predictors.

Observational StudyRigorous Journal

2020·

39citations

·M. Mohammadi et al.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of dropout rates in individual psychotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder.

A weighted mean dropout rate of 16.99% was found in individual psychotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder, with no significant moderating factors found in client, therapist, or treatment variables.

Meta-AnalysisRigorous Journal

2017·

59citations

·Elon Gersh et al.

The 1-month prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder according to DSM-IV, DSM-V, and ICD-10 among nondemented 75-year-olds in Gothenburg, Sweden.

GAD is common in 75-year-olds, but DSM-IV/V and ICD-10 definitions capture different individuals, with greater congruence between GAD and depression than between the two classification systems.

Observational Study

2012·

17citations

·J. Nilsson et al.

Generalized anxiety disorder: nature and course.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a chronic and highly prevalent disorder in adults, with a higher prevalence in women aged 40 years and above, and is associated with factors such as unemployment, housewifery, and chronic medical illness.

Highly Cited

2001·

356citations

·H. Wittchen et al.

Psychometric analysis of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7) in primary care using modern item response theory

The GAD-7 scale is unidimensional and valid, with the first four items providing better discrimination of anxiety levels than the last three, and the GAD-2 ultra-brief measure is supported by item information analysis.

Observational StudyRigorous JournalHighly Cited

2017·

157citations

·Pascal Jordan et al.

Psychometric properties of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Inventory in a Canadian sample

The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Inventory shows excellent internal consistency reliability and correlations with other anxiety disorder measures, but the somatic subscale may require revision for better predictive validity.

Observational StudyVery Rigorous Journal

2014·

5citations

·L. C. Henderson et al.

Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder Among Adults: United States, 2019.

Approximately 9% of adults aged 18 and over experienced symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder in the past 2 weeks, with a higher prevalence in those with GAD-7 scores of 5-9, 10-14, or 15-21.

Highly Cited

2020·

101citations

·Emily P. Terlizzi et al.

Generalized anxiety disorder: diagnosis and treatment

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a common disorder characterized by excessive worry and physiological symptoms, and can be effectively treated with pharmacotherapy and psychosocial therapies.

Systematic ReviewRigorous JournalHighly Cited

2012·

119citations

·Elizabeth A. Hoge et al.

Psychometric Properties of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 (GAD-7) in Outpatients with Anxiety and Mood Disorders

The GAD-7 is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing anxiety severity in outpatients with anxiety and mood disorders, but not a screening tool for the presence or absence of the disorder.

Observational StudyRigorous JournalHighly Cited

2016·

269citations

·L. Rutter et al.

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