Prevalence of Generalized Anxiety Disorder among College Students

Abstract

Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterised by uncontrollable worry about everyday events and circumstances. The most prevalent mental health condition among college students is anxiety disorder. Many of these illnesses manifest for the first time in adolescence or the first few years of adulthood. In this study, purposive sampling technique was used. Total of 15 college going students from which 13 female and 2 male participants were recruited for this study to understand the prevalence of generalised anxiety disorder among college students. Semi-structured interview method was used for data collection. Five open ended questions were asked to each one of the participants. Data were analysed using Thematic Analysis technique. After analysing the data, four themes were identified. The themes that were identified are: (a) Academic pressure, (b) Degrading health, (c) Family and friend’s support, and (d) Art and music: a saviour.  The findings show that anxiety is a complicated condition that affects a person’s emotions, thoughts, and physiological functions. There are several factors that contribute to generalised anxiety disorder among college students such as academic pressure, health, adjustment in a new environment, and past experiences.