Gender Differences in Treatment-Seeking Behavior and Outcomes in Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Retrospective Study

Background and objective The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) defines generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) as an anxiety disorder characterized by excessive anxiety and worry occurring more days than not for at least six months, about several events or activities. Despite substantial knowledge about its treatment, limited evidence exists on gender-related differences in treatment-seeking behavior and outcomes. Understanding these differences is particularly crucial in Saudi Arabia, where the mental health system is undergoing transformation under Vision 2030. Hence, this study aimed to analyze gender-related differences in treatment-seeking behaviors, treatment preferences, adherence, functional improvement, and recurrence patterns among individuals diagnosed with GAD Methods A retrospective observational study was conducted using clinical records of 151 GAD patients at Prince Sultan Military Medical City (PSMMC) in Riyadh. The data, including demographic information, treatment modalities, adherence, outcomes, and recurrence, were extracted from electronic health records collected over two years since the inception of the electronic system. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS Statistics version 26 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY), with significance at p<0.05. Results The population included 64.9% females and 35.1% males, with a mean age of 45.7 years. Female patients were more likely to receive combination therapy (p=0.006) and showed significantly higher treatment effectiveness (p=0.011) and functional improvement (p=0.003). Male patients had a longer duration of symptoms before seeking treatment (p=0.022) and were more likely to receive pharmacotherapy alone. No significant differences between genders were found in the rate of recurrence or relapse. Conclusions Gender exerts a considerable influence on the management strategies and outcomes associated with GAD. Female patients tend to benefit more from combined treatment modalities, whereas male patients often delay treatment and prefer pharmacotherapy alone. These findings underscore the need for gender-sensitive mental health interventions to improve treatment efficacy and accessibility for all individuals with GAD.