One-year prevalence of subthreshold and threshold DSM-IV generalized anxiety disorder in a nationally representative sample

Several studies of representative populations have reported prevalence rates of DSM‐III and DSM‐III‐R generalized anxiety disorder (GAD); however, no community study has examined the effect of the stricter DSM‐IV criteria on prevalence estimates and patterns of comorbidity. Furthermore, past studies based on “lifetime” symptom assessments might have led to upper‐bound 1‐year and point prevalence estimates. Data is presented from a national representative sample study of 4,181 adults in Germany, 18–65 years old, who were interviewed for DSM‐IV disorders with the 12‐month version of the Munich‐Composite International Diagnostic Interview. The prevalence rate of strictly defined, 12‐month threshold DSM‐IV GAD was estimated to be 1.5%; however, 3.6% of respondents presented with at least subthreshold syndromes of GAD during the past 12 months. Higher rates of worrying and GAD were found in women (worrying 10%, GAD 2.7%) and in older respondents (worrying 9.3%, TAD 2.2%). Taking into account a wider scope of diagnoses than previous studies, a high degree of comorbidity in GAD cases was confirmed: 59.1% of all 12‐month GAD cases fulfilled criteria for major depression, and 55.9% fulfilled criteria for any other anxiety disorder. In conclusion, prevalence and comorbidity rates found for DSM‐IV GAD are not substantially different from rates reported for DSM‐III‐R GAD. The minor differences in our findings compared to previous reports are more likely attributable to differences in study methodology rather than changes in diagnostic criteria for DSM‐IV. Depression and Anxiety 13:78–88, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.