The annual prevalence of newly diagnosed generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) increased from 5.4% in 2020 to 6.6% in 2023

The 3-year total prevalence of GAD reached 10.3%, representing more than 1 in 10 U.S. adults

Definium Therapeutics, Inc. ("Definium" or the "Company"), announced results from a retrospective, longitudinal study published in the Journal of Mood and Anxiety Disorders examining the real-world prevalence, incidence, and burden of GAD in the United States healthcare system from 2020 to 2023. These findings show a steadily increasing diagnosed prevalence of GAD and highlight a substantial and growing burden affecting more than 1 in 10 adults in the U.S. Together, these results underscore the need for improved access to care, including identification, diagnosis, and treatment options for patients living with GAD.

This study, based on a large U.S. healthcare claims database, found that the diagnosed prevalence of GAD increased from 5.4% in 2020 to 6.6% in 2023, while the three-year cumulative prevalence reached 10.3%. Annual incidence rates remained consistently high, ranging from 2.1% to 2.3%, indicating a steady influx of newly diagnosed patients. Results also show that GAD disproportionately affects women (67%) and is highly associated with major depressive disorder (MDD). These findings meet or exceed previously reported prevalence estimates, which range from approximately 5% to 8%.