A study also shows an increase in the rate of hospitalizations over the years; experts estimate that the impact is even greater, considering the underestimation of the condition; understand the disease
Hospitalizations for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) It has cost Brazil’s public and private hospitals R$5.7 million over the past three years, according to data from Planisa, a hospital expense management company.
The survey, carried out in collaboration with the DRG Brasil platform, analyzed data from more than 440 public and private hospitals in the country, between 2022 and November 2024. During this period, 2,202 hospitalizations for GAD were recorded.
The cost calculation was based on the average value of a daily stay in the hospitals consulted (approximately R$964). The value considers the use of the bed, the materials and medicines consumed, and medical expenses.
Also according to the study, the hospitalization rate increased by approximately one point compared to the initial analysis period. In 2022 the average was 3.4 hospitalizations for GAD per 100 thousand inhabitants, while in 2024 the estimate was 4.6.
For João Pedro Wanderley, psychiatrist at Alemão Oswaldo Cruz Hospitalin relative terms, this is a high number, but it could be even higher considering the underreporting and limitations in accessing specialized mental health treatments.
The doctor explains that GAD is usually linked to disorders such as gastrointestinal, respiratory, endocrine-metabolic disorders, among others. Therefore, it is possible that many hospital admissions for conditions like these are also related to anxiety. “In other words, in the general hospital environment, anxiety disorders are almost constant,” he comments.
Additionally, many patients are admitted to general units rather than psychiatric beds, which have even higher costs. “The increase in hospitalizations for GAD indicates the growing pressure on the healthcare system, which is far from being able to meet the growing demand for psychiatric care,” he assesses.
For Fabio Molina, psychiatrist at the Regional Hospital of President Prudente and Digital Health, from Grupo Fleury, this is a relatively low cost compared to the reality of the disorder. For him, it is necessary to remember that the condition can lead to the patient’s inability to carry out his work activities, for example, generating economic losses.
When does GAD lead to hospitalization?
According to Molina, a patient suffering from generalized anxiety without other associated psychiatric illnesses is rarely admitted to hospital. However, the disorder is often accompanied by other comorbidities.
“Hospitalization is reserved for serious cases, when there is a risk to the patient’s life, thoughts of death or attempted suicideas well as aggressiveness or failure of outpatient care,” he says.
“Good support from the health service with a psychiatrist, a multidisciplinary team made up of psychologists, nurses and occupational therapists can avoid most hospitalizations,” he adds.
What is the assistance during hospitalization?
The care of patients hospitalized for GAD requires a multidisciplinary approach. In the hospital the patient is monitored and controlled for symptoms and the factors that can intensify the anxiety are assessed.
“Many GAD patients also have gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome, and this can exacerbate anxiety,” explains Wanderley.
Furthermore, the patient receives treatment with anxiolytics and antidepressants and psychotherapeutic support. “The hospital environment must be welcoming and conducive to reduction stresssince hospitalization itself can make the anxiety situation worse,” he adds.
A country in anxiety
In 2019, the Brazil has been ranked as the country with the highest number of anxious people in the worldsecond World Health Organization (WHO): 18.6 million Brazilians (9.3% of the population) were living with the disease at the time of the data analysis.
Although the Planisa study did not evaluate the age of the patients, the data indicates that young people are the most affected. Data from the Ministry of Health, obtained exclusively from Estadaodemonstrated that the amount of Stress and anxiety-related hospitalizations in adolescents and young adults – aged 13 to 29 – increased by 136% between 2013 and 2023.
In the global World Mental Health Day 2024 report, published last year, Brazil ranks fourth in the list of countries with the highest level of stress. Of the 1,500 Brazilians surveyed, only 26% said they had not experienced any spike stress that would interrupt your day for a year.
For Molina, Brazilian statistics can be related to different factors of modern life, such as sedentary lifestylediet high in sugar and fat, excessive use of social networks, substance abuse and decreased social ties.
In any case, doctors underline that mental health needs to receive more attention in the country, with an increase in psychiatric beds and efficient outpatient services to treat anxiety disorders early.
What is generalized anxiety?
GAD is a disorder characterized by excessive worry or apprehensive expectations that is persistent and difficult to control, lasting at least six months and accompanied by three or more symptoms.
It is different from occasional anxiety, a natural human reaction. For example, when preparing for a job interview, a person without TAGs may experience heart palpitations, break out in a cold sweat, and even ask questions about their performance. This is feeling anxious.
It also differs from an anxiety crisis, which prevents the individual from thinking and acting clearlydue to the spike in chemical discharges in the brain.
The disorder manifests itself continuously, affecting daily life with continuous restlessness, tiredness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, muscular tension and sleep disorder.
Where to look for assistance?
Attacks of anxiety, as well as sadness, insomnia and irritability that interfere with daily activities deserve medical and psychological attention. This service can be provided at health centers or, in case of emergency, at the nearest emergency room. You can also get support through the channels below.
Life Evaluation Center (CVV)
If you need immediate help, contact the Centro de Valorização da Vida (CVV), a free emotional support service that provides 24-hour assistance. Contact can be made via e-mailfor the chat on the website or by calling 188.
The channel can talk
Initiative created by Unicef to offer listening to adolescents aged 13 to 24. Contact can be made via Whatsappfrom Monday to Friday, from 8:00 to 22:00.
SUS
Psychosocial Assistance Centers (CAPs) are units of the Unified Health System (SUS) aimed at treating patients suffering from mental disorders.
Mental health map
THE website brings maps with health units and free psychological assistance initiatives in person and online. It also provides guidance material on mental disorders.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
