Burden of generalised anxiety disorder

Abstract

GAD is associated with major functional impairment in work (Figure 5.1) or social activity and impairs the quality of life. The requirements to meet the diagnosis of GAD according to the DSM-IV take account of this reduction in function: it is necessary to establish that the individual suffers either clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational or other areas of functioning. The effects of the disorder are detrimental to individual sufferers but the disorder also affects their families and the cost to society is high. Yet the rates of recognition and treatment are unusually low for a disorder with such far-reaching consequences.