Generalized anxiety disorder in China: prevalence, sociodemographic correlates, comorbidity, and suicide attempts

Perspect Psychiatr Care. 2009 Apr;45(2):119-27. doi: 10.1111/j.1744-6163.2009.00212.x.

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to determine the 12-month and lifetime prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and its sociodemographic correlates.

Design and methods: A total of 5,926 subjects were randomly selected and interviewed.

Findings: The overall 12-month and lifetime prevalence of GAD was 0.8%, and 1.2%, respectively. Being older than 25 years and female, lower education level, unemployed status, and lower (<RMB500/month) or higher (>RMB2000/month) monthly income were associated with increased risk of GAD.

Practice implications: The low percentage of subjects treated for GAD indicates a major public health problem that should be addressed.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anxiety Disorders / epidemiology
  • Anxiety Disorders / ethnology*
  • Anxiety Disorders / nursing*
  • Anxiety Disorders / psychology
  • China
  • Comorbidity
  • Cross-Cultural Comparison*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Interview, Psychological
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Rural Population / statistics & numerical data
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Suicide, Attempted / psychology
  • Suicide, Attempted / statistics & numerical data*
  • Urban Population / statistics & numerical data
  • Young Adult