Gender differences in Generalized Anxiety Disorder: a cross-sectional multicenter study
M. Buoli, L. M. Affaticati, E. Capuzzi, F. Colmegna, M. ClericiIntroduction
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (MDD) is a disabling mental condition, with a prevalence in women twice than men. Despite the implementation of precision and gender medicine, little data are currently available on gender differences in GAD.
Objectives
Purpose of this study is to identify gender differences in clinical features and outcomes of patients affected by GAD to implement individualized treatment strategies.
Methods
A cross-sectional, retrospective study was conducted. Medical records of GAD patients from three mental health services were reviewed, and socio-demographic and clinical variables were extracted. Continuous and qualitative variables were compared according to gender respectively by unpaired t-tests and chi-square tests (with odds ratio-[OR] calculation where appropriate).
Results
The total sample included 243 patients (162 women and 81 men). Female patients compared to males resulted: to be more frequently married or in partnership (61.7% versus 44.4%; χ 2 =8.68, p=0.03), to have less frequently cannabis use disorder before GAD onset (0.6% versus 7.4%; χ 2 =13.71, p=0.01), to have less frequently alcohol use disorder after GAD onset (0.6% versus 6.2%; χ 2 =13.68, p<0.01), to have more frequently committed attempted suicides (4.9% versus 0.0%; χ 2 =4.14, p=0.05), to present more often a history of obstetrical complications (low birth weight or preterm birth) (5.5% versus 0.0%; χ 2 =4.14, p=0.03; OR=1.54).
Conclusions
The results of this study support gender-specific medicine with personalized treatments for males and females with GAD. Males are more likely to engage in substance abuse, while females are more likely to engage in self-harm. Specific psychoeducational interventions should be planned, and pharmacotherapy should be chosen based on their interactions with substances of abuse or their anti-suicidal efficacy. The results of this study need to be confirmed by future research.
Disclosure of Interest
None Declared