Prevalence, correlates, and treatment gap of generalized anxiety disorder among adults in Bangladesh: Results from a nationally representative survey

Abstract

This study presents nationally representative findings on the epidemiology of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) among Bangladeshi adults, based on data from a nationwide household survey. Participants were initially screened using the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ), and those screening positive underwent face-to-face clinical interviews by trained psychiatrists. Diagnoses were established using DSM-5 criteria. A total of 7270 adults completed all measures used in this survey. The weighted lifetime prevalence of GAD was 3.5 % (95 % CI: 2.9–4.2), with higher rates observed among women (4.2 %) and rural residents (3.7 %) compared to men (2.7 %) and urban residents (2.8 %). Significant correlates included female sex (OR = 1.62, p = 0.012), lower educational attainment (OR = 2.42–3.49, p < 0.05), and a family history of mental illness (OR = 2.56, p = 0.004). Despite the substantial burden, the treatment gap remained alarmingly high, with only 3.9 % of individuals with GAD seeking professional help. Individuals with a family history of mental illness were significantly more likely to seek treatment (OR = 8.32, p < 0.001) for GAD, while no significant associations were found with other sociodemographic factors. These findings highlight the need for community-based awareness programs, the integration of mental health services into primary care, a focus on high-risk groups, and the strengthening of the mental health workforce to address the substantial burden of GAD and reduce the pervasive treatment gap in Bangladesh.