Diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder in Russia: The results of a web-based survey of psychiatrists

Abstract

Introduction

There is a lack of attention on generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in the psychiatrists’ education programs in Russia. The consequence of this is difficult to estimate because of insufficiency of the GAD epidemiology in Russia.

Objectives

Are estimation of the comparative prevalence of diagnosis of GAD among other anxiety and stress related disorders; psychiatrists’ knowledge about GAD and theirs therapeutic approaches.

Methods

The invitations to survey were sent by e-mail to members of the Russian Society of Psychiatrists; 888 psychiatrists took part in the survey. Twenty-six percent of them worked in inpatient departments, 43% – in outpatient departments, 15% – in somatic services, 17% – researchers and university professors.

Results

A total of 83% of respondents have diagnosed GAD at least once during last year. Most often GAD was diagnosed by psychiatrists of somatic services. Mixed anxiety and depressive disorder was diagnosed in 2.5 times more often than GAD; adjustment disorders – in 2.1 times. Doctors have noted that among their patients with other mental disorders 26% have chronic anxiety, but most of doctors do not establish the comorbid diagnosis of GAD for these patients. Only a quarter of doctors consider that detachment of GAD from other anxiety disorders is based on the features of etiology and pathogenesis. In the treatment of GAD together with SSRIs, SNRIs, and pregabalin prescribing, doctors often prescribe benzodiazepines, atypical anxiolytics (hydroxyzine, buspirone) and low-potency antipsychotics (alimemazine, chlorprothixene).

Conclusions

Increasing attention to GAD in the psychiatrists’ education programs may improve diagnosis and treatment of this disorder in Russia.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.