Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is the second more frequent disorder after mayor depression in primary care. It has great impact in patients functioning and consumption of health services. The clinical presentation in this setting, predominantly somatic, and its frequent comorbidity may lead to underdiagnosed and mistreatment. Features of GAD in this setting are evaluated.

An epidemiological and multicenter study was carried out, collecting demographic data and clinical history, on a randomly selected representative sample of 225 patients from three primary care centers of the area of Madrid (Spain). Also Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) and Dream Questionnaire of Oviedo were reported.

Chi-square test were used to compare in patients diagnosed of GAD versus other psychiatric patients and non-psychiatric diagnosed.

Clinic prevalence of GAD was 11,1% in the sample. In GAD cases, mayor depression was found in 68,0% (Chi2, p< 0,001). So, it shows the comorbidity of GAD with mayor depression has a relevant presence in primary care. This suggest a possible relation between both disorders.

On the other hand, the presence of depressive symptoms were significantly higher in GAD patients (U test, p< 0,001). Unexpected non statistical significant differences were found in the number of somatic symptoms, sick leave days and utilization of medical services. Comorbidity with mayor depression disorder may work as a confounding factor masking the differences found in other epidemiological studies.

Better clinical diagnosis tools and longitudinal studies might be proceed to clear this relation and improve its treatment.