Journal of Mood and Anxiety Disorders · Published 2026-03-01 · DOI 10.1016/j.xjmad.2026.100172
Background: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by persistent, difficult-to-control worry that is often accompanied by substantial comorbidity, impairment, and reduced quality of life. Yet, its prevalence in the United States remains uncertain and may be underestimated. Methods: We estimated the prevalence and incidence of diagnosed GAD among adults in the U.S. healthcare system using payer-complete closed claims data from the Komodo Healthcare Map™ database from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2023. Patients with GAD were identified using ICD-10 code F41.1. Annual and three-year prevalence, as well as annual incidence rates, were calculated and projected to the U.S. adult population. Results: From 2021–2023, most patients diagnosed with GAD were women, middle-aged, and commercially insured with women diagnosed at more than twice the rate of men. Projected annual prevalence increased from 5.4% in 2020–6.6% in 2023, with a 3-year prevalence of 10.3% over the 2021–2023 period. The projected annual incidence ranged from 2.1% to 2.3%. Conclusion: The increasing prevalence of GAD diagnoses may reflect multiple converging factors, including increased screening and recognition. Together, these updated national estimates highlight not only the increasing prevalence of GAD but also the need to expand access to care and improve the effectiveness of treatments.
Abstract from DOAJ. Public domain (CC0 1.0).
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