How many people have generalized anxiety disorder
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Prevalence of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder Prevalence Rates
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a common mental health condition characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry about various aspects of daily life. The prevalence of GAD varies across different populations and diagnostic criteria. According to multiple studies, the lifetime prevalence of GAD in the general population ranges from 4% to 7%1 2 10. In the United States, the lifetime prevalence is approximately 5.7%2, while global estimates using DSM-5 criteria report a combined lifetime prevalence of 3.7%3.
Variability in Prevalence Across Demographics
The prevalence of GAD is influenced by several demographic factors, including age, gender, and socioeconomic status. Studies indicate that GAD is more common among women, with rates as high as 10% among women aged 40 years and above4. Additionally, the disorder is more prevalent in high-income countries, with a lifetime prevalence of 5.0%, compared to 2.8% in middle-income countries and 1.6% in low-income countries3. The age of onset typically occurs in early adulthood, and the prevalence increases with age4.
GAD in Children and Adolescents
GAD is also prevalent among children and adolescents, with a lifetime prevalence rate of 2.6% in this age group6. The disorder in younger populations is often associated with significant comorbidity, including other anxiety disorders and depressive disorders8. Predictors of GAD in children and adolescents include age, sex, maternal psychiatric history, and educational background6.
Comorbidity and Impact
GAD frequently coexists with other psychiatric disorders. Approximately 90% of individuals with GAD have at least one comorbid lifetime psychiatric disorder, such as mood disorders and other anxiety disorders2 5. This high comorbidity rate contributes to significant impairment in social, occupational, and family functioning2 3. Despite the chronic nature of GAD, many individuals seek treatment, particularly those with severe symptoms or comorbid conditions3.
Conclusion
Generalized Anxiety Disorder is a prevalent and impactful mental health condition affecting a significant portion of the population. The disorder's prevalence varies across different demographic groups and is often accompanied by other psychiatric conditions, leading to substantial impairment in daily life. Understanding the prevalence and comorbidity of GAD is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Generalised anxiety disorder
Generalised anxiety disorder affects 1%-5% of the general population and is associated with significant disability and increased risk of developing further conditions.
Systematic Review
Rigorous JournalRefractory generalized anxiety disorder.
Innovative treatments, including anticonvulsants and atypical antipsychotics, may improve outcomes for individuals with refractory generalized anxiety disorder.
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 Study
Highly CitedGeneralized 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 CitedDSM-III-R generalized anxiety disorder in the National Comorbidity Survey.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a relatively rare current disorder with a prevalence of 1.6% in the US population aged 15 to 45 years, but is more common as a lifetime disorder affecting 5.1% of the population aged 15 to 45 years, with significant risk factors and comorbidity.
Observational StudyHighly CitedGeneralized 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 JournalSymptoms 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 CitedGeneralized anxiety disorder in referred children and adolescents.
Generalized anxiety disorder is highly symptomatic and frequently comorbid in children and adolescents, with depressive disorder being the most frequent comorbidity.
Observational StudyHighly CitedEpidemiology of anxiety disorders in the 21st century
Anxiety disorders affect up to 33.7% of the population and are highly comorbid with other mental disorders, resulting in significant underrecognition and undertreatment.
Highly CitedGeneralized 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