analyse the presence of comorbid symtoms as assessed by Hamilton Anxiety scale in outpatients followed in Psychiatric clinics.

Multicentre, cross-sectional study enrolling subjects above 18 years-old with GAD according with ICD-10. Participants were chosen at ramdon by quotes and weighted geographically, but patients were enrolled consecutively. HAM-A and CGI-S were administered to determine clinical status and comorbid symptoms (scoring > 3 in HAM-A). QoL was assessed by SF-36 questionnaire.

A total of 792 patients; 15.7% naives (GADn), 68.9% women, mean (SD) age of 40.0 (12.9) years were included. Symptoms of imsomnia were presented in 30.1% of subjects; 42.3% in GADn vs 27.8% on-treatment (GADt), p=0.001. Symptoms of cognitive function deterioration were showed in 21.1% (25.2% in GADn vs. 20.3% in GADt, p=0.220) and depressive symptoms in 15.5% (15.4% in GADn vs 15.5 in GADt, p=0.991). Moderate to excruciating pain was presented in 46.7% of subjects; 50.5% in GADn vs 46.1% in GADt, p=0.705. Overall, psychic and somatic anxiety symptoms scoring were higher in GADn than in GADt; 26.8 (7.3) vs 22.4 (9.6), p<0.0001, 14.2 (3.6) vs 12.0 (5.0), p<0.0001, and 12.6 (4.5) vs 10.4 (5.2), p<0.0001, respectively. No age or sex differences were found.

Pain, symptoms of depression and cognitive deterioration were comorbid conditions presented in a considerable proportion of GAD patients irrespective of time of evolution, age or sex. Frecuency of insomnia was also high, mainly in naïve patients. This study shows that more attention should be devoted to comorbid condition associated with GAD.