Generalized Anxiety Disorder Prevalence Rates Based on Age

Research has found that Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) may affect people at different rates based on age. Brown, O'Leary, and Barlow (2001) summarized current prevalence estimates, and reported that although research on GAD and the elderly is not complete, 17% of elderly men and 21.5% of elderly women experience severe anxiety Furthermore, the rate of GAD in this population may be the highest of any age group. They also reported that the lowest prevalence rates are for people between the ages of 15-24. Finally, DSM-IV notes that GAD may be over-diagnosed in children presenting with anxiety.

GAD can affect people of all ages, and although many people experience some of the symptoms at a very early age, it can fully develop at any point during the lifespan.

Sources: American Psychiatric Association (2000). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Washington DC: American Psychiatric Association.

Barlow D.H. (Ed.)(2001). Clinical Handbook of Psychological Disorders (3rd Ed.). New York: Guilford Press.