Quality of Life in Anxiety Disorders: A Comparison of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, and Panic Disorder

Abstract

Background: There is growing recognition that the anxiety disorders are disabling disorders associated with substantial morbidity and impaired quality of life (QOL). Nevertheless, there have been few studies comparing QOL across these conditions. Sampling and Methods: 337 outpatients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD; n = 220), panic disorder (PD; n = 53), or social anxiety disorder (SAD; n = 64) were compared using a number of assessment scales to compare objective and subjective impairment in QOL. The association of QOL with symptom severity and comorbid depression was also assessed. Results: The extent of impairment due to OCD, PD or SAD appears to be similar across the QOL scales. However, various domains are differentially affected in each of the disorders; OCD patients had more impairment in family life and activities of daily living; SAD patients had more impairment in social life and leisure activities, and PD patients were less able to avoid the use of nonprescribed drugs. QOL was lower in patients with increased symptom severity as well as in those with comorbid depression. Conclusions: While the extent of impairment appears similar across a number of different anxiety disorders, characteristic symptoms of each disorder may be associated with differential impairment of various domains of function, and may require specifically tailored interventions.

Reduced Anterior Temporal and Hippocampal Functional Connectivity During Face Processing Discriminates Individuals with Social Anxiety Disorder from Healthy Controls and Panic Disorder, and Increases Following Treatment

“…It has an early onset (80% of cases occur before age 18 years) (Otto et al, 2001), and often precedes other anxiety, mood, and substance abuse/dependence disorders (Lampe et al, 2003;Randall et al, 2001). SAD is associated with a significant functional impairment and distress in work and social domains and usually persists unless treated (Schneier et al, 1994;Lochner et al, 2003).…”

Treatment-resistant anxiety disorders

“…However, some studies report that the decrease in productivity and quality of life of severely ill and/or treatment-resistant anxiety patients was comparable to those of schizophrenics. 10,11 Anxiety Disorders Association of America estimates the costs to be over 42 billion dollars per year comparable to those of stroke and cardiovascular disorders. 12 …”

Magnitude of Social Anxiety Disorder, and Impact on Quality of Life among Medical Students, Taif City-Ksa

“…The study of Lochner and colleagues revealed that SAD affects quality of life, especially in matters which are related to leisure activities and social life [30]. Furthermore, the study of Barrera and Norton (2009) has also found that the quality of life of patients with SAD is poorer, same with those who are suffering from general anxiety disorder and panic disorder [31].…”