Prevalence and impact of generalized anxiety disorder and major depression in primary care in Belgium and Luxemburg: the GADIS study.
OBJECTIVE
GADIS aims at determining the prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and major depression (MD) in primary care and their impact on the patient's functioning in Belgium and Luxemburg.


METHODS
A large scale screening program was conducted at the consultation of general practitioners to detect patients with GAD and MD according to DSM-IV criteria. We collected additional data regarding the use of hypnotic, tranquilizer, antidepressant and analgesic medications. Impact on the patient was assessed with the Sheehan disability scale.


RESULTS
Three hundred GP's in Belgium and Luxemburg were asked to screen 50 consecutive patients. Of the 13,677 analyzed patients, 8.3% were diagnosed to have GAD and 6.3% MD. Comorbidity was observed in 4.2% of patients. The prevalence was much higher in the French-speaking part of Belgium. GAD and MD were associated with impairment in social, familial and professional functioning. Only a minority of patients with GAD and/or MD was treated with an antidepressant and almost half of subjects with GAD and/or MD were treated with a tranquilizer.


CONCLUSIONS
Prevalence rates of GAD and MD in primary care in Belgium are comparable to other countries. GAD and MD are disabling conditions. Antidepressants are still used only in a minority of subjects with GAD and/or MD in primary care in Belgium and Luxemburg. The prevalence of GAD and MD appears to be much higher in French-speaking parts of Belgium.
Ansseau
Marc
M
Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, CHU du Sart Tilman (B35), University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium. marc.ansseau@chu.ulg.ac.be
Fischler
Benjamin
B
Dierick
Michel
M
Mignon
Annick
A
Leyman
Sophie
S
D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D001530:Belgium / Q000453:epidemiology; D002391:Catchment Area, Health; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012919:Social Behavior; D014149:Tranquilizing Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D014149:Tranquilizing Agents