Epidemiology of generalized anxiety disorder

While the age of onset for generalized anxiety disorder tends to occur earlier in high-income countries (median age of onset: 36 years) compared with middle and low-income countries (median age of onset: 43 years for both).¹ Generalized anxiety disorder tends to be more persistent in low and middle-income countries (~56–60%) compared with high-income countries (~46%).¹ Around the world, generalized anxiety disorder is more persistent for those with earlier age of onset, lower educational and income levels, and for those not employed outside the home.¹

Reference:

1. Ruscio AM, Hallion LS, Lim CCW, et al. Cross-sectional comparison of the epidemiology of DSM-5 generalized anxiety disorder across the globe. JAMA Psychiatry 2017; 74 (5): 465–475.