Summary: New research shows recovery from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is more common than previously thought. About seven in ten people with a history of GAD report being symptom-free for at least a year, and four in ten describe their current state as excellent mental health.
Source: University of Toronto
Overview: Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent category of psychiatric conditions, yet factors that predict sustained recovery are not well understood. A University of Toronto study examined three levels of recovery in a nationally representative sample of 2,128 Canadians who reported a lifetime history of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
The study found that 72% of respondents with a history of GAD had been free of that disorder for at least one year. Additionally, 40% met criteria for what the researchers describe as excellent mental health. Nearly 60% had no other mental illness or substance-related problems in the past year, such as suicidal thoughts, substance dependence, major depressive disorder, or bipolar disorder.
The investigators used a strict definition of excellent mental health. To qualify, individuals had to meet three criteria: 1) report happiness or life satisfaction almost every day in the past month, 2) demonstrate high levels of social and psychological well-being during the past month, and 3) be free from GAD, depressive disorders, suicidal thoughts, and substance dependence for at least the previous full year.
Lead author Esme Fuller-Thomson, Director of the Institute for Life Course and Aging at the University of Toronto and a professor at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work and the Department of Family & Community Medicine, emphasized the encouraging implications. “We were so encouraged to learn that even among those whose anxiety disorders had lasted a decade or longer, half had been in remission from GAD for the past year and one-quarter had achieved excellent mental health and well-being,” she says.
“This research provides a very hopeful message for individuals struggling with anxiety, their families and health professionals. Our findings suggest that full recovery is possible, even among those who have suffered for many years with the disorder,” Fuller-Thomson adds.
Social connection emerged as a strong correlate of recovery. Participants who reported having at least one person in their lives who provided emotional security and support were three times more likely to be in excellent mental health than those without a confidant. Co-author Kandace Ryckman, a recent Master of Public Health graduate from the University of Toronto, noted, “For those with anxiety disorders, the social support that extends from a confidant can foster a sense of belonging and self-worth which may promote recovery.”
Spiritual coping was also linked with better outcomes. Individuals who relied on religious or spiritual beliefs to cope with everyday challenges had 36% higher odds of being in excellent mental health compared with those who did not use spiritual coping strategies. Fuller-Thomson pointed out that other studies have similarly reported an association between recovery from mental illness and belief in a higher power.
On the other hand, the researchers identified several barriers to achieving excellent mental health. Poor physical health, functional limitations, insomnia, and a history of depression were all associated with lower odds of full recovery. These findings highlight the importance of integrated care: treating anxiety while also addressing physical health conditions, sleep problems, and past or current depressive episodes.
“Health professionals who are treating individuals with anxiety disorders need to consider their patients’ physical health problems and social isolation in their treatment plans,” Ryckman advises.
The study analyzed data from Statistics Canada’s Canadian Community Health Survey–Mental Health and focused on community-dwelling adults who had ever had GAD. The results were published online ahead of print in the Journal of Affective Disorders.
Source:
University of Toronto
Media Contacts:
Esme Fuller-Thomson – University of Toronto
Image Source:
The image is in the public domain.
Original Research: The study will appear in Journal of Affective Disorders.