Use of the Penn State Worry Questionnaire to Identify Individuals with Gad: An Indian Perspective

Abstract

1.1.Background and Objectives: The Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ) has been established as an efficacious tool to identify individuals with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) as against those with other anxiety disorders. We report on the use of the PSWQ in the Indian population to identify individuals with GAD. 1.2.Methods: 30 individuals with GAD and 60 with other anxiety disorders without GAD completed the PSWQ. 1.3.Results: Using the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve analysis, a score of 64, which optimized both sensitivity and specificity, was found to discriminate between individuals with GAD and those with other anxiety disorders without GAD. 1.4.Limitations:The study conducted on a small sample would benefit from further research to establish the PSWQ as an efficacious tool for identify individuals with GAD. 1.5.Conclusion: Results from the current study offer strong support for the use of the PSWQ for initial screening and identification of individuals with GAD who present for treatment for anxiety disorders.