title: Subthreshold and threshold DSM-IV generalized anxiety disorder in Singapore: Results from a nationally representative sample.
abstract: Previous nationally representative studies have reported prevalence of DSM-IV generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). However, subthreshold and threshold GAD expressions remain poorly understood. The current study examined the prevalence, correlates and co-morbidity of a broader diagnosis of GAD in Singapore. The Singapore Mental Health Study (SMHS) was an epidemiological survey conducted in the population (N=6616) aged 18 years and older. The Composite International Diagnostic Interview version 3.0 (CIDI 3.0) was used to establish mental disorder diagnoses. The lifetime prevalence for subthreshold GAD (2.1%) and threshold GAD (1.5%) in the current sample was found to be lower than in Western populations. Younger age group, Indian ethnicity, previously married, chronic physical conditions, and being unemployed were associated with higher odds of having more severe expression of generalized anxiety. The relatively lower prevalence rate of subthreshold GAD expression suggests possible cultural interferences in the reporting and manifestation of anxiety symptomatology. Despite the low prevalence, significant impacts on functioning and comorbidity among subthreshold generalized anxiety cases indicate the importance of early treatment to ensure a better prognosis.
authors: Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore. Electronic address: siau_pheng_lee@imh.com.sg.
authors: Siau Pheng
authors: SP
authors: Lee
authors: Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore.
authors: Vathsala
authors: V
authors: Sagayadevan
authors: Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore.
authors: Janhavi Ajit
authors: JA
authors: Vaingankar
authors: Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore.
authors: Siow Ann
authors: SA
authors: Chong
authors: Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore.
authors: Mythily
authors: M
authors: Subramaniam
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000208:ethnology; D002681:China / Q000208:ethnology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D015897:Comorbidity; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000208:ethnology; D008296:Malaysia / Q000208:ethnology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012846:Singapore / Q000453:epidemiology; D014478:Unemployment / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Comorbidity; Disability; Epidemiology; Population-based survey; Prevalence; Singapore