Using the Penn State Worry Questionnaire to identify individuals with generalized anxiety disorder: a receiver operating characteristic analysis

David M Fresco; Douglas S Mennin; Richard G Heimberg; Cynthia L Turk

doi:10.1016/j.jbtep.2003.09.001

Using the Penn State Worry Questionnaire to identify individuals with generalized anxiety disorder: a receiver operating characteristic analysis

J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry. 2003 Sep-Dec;34(3-4):283-91. doi: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2003.09.001.

Authors

David M Fresco¹, Douglas S Mennin, Richard G Heimberg, Cynthia L Turk

Affiliation

¹ Department of Psychology, Adult Anxiety Clinic of Temple University, Weiss Hall, Temple University, 1701 North 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6085, USA.

PMID: 14972674
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2003.09.001

Abstract

We report on the use of the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ) to identify individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Fifty individuals with primary or secondary GAD and 114 individuals with social anxiety disorder (without GAD) completed the PSWQ. In receiver operating characteristic analyses, a score of 65 simultaneously optimized sensitivity and specificity in discriminating individuals with GAD from individuals with social anxiety disorder. Results support the use of the PSWQ in screening individuals likely to meet criteria for GAD who present for treatment at an anxiety disorders specialty clinic.

Publication types

Comparative Study

MeSH terms

Adult
Anxiety Disorders / classification
Anxiety Disorders / diagnosis*
Anxiety Disorders / psychology*
Diagnosis, Differential
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Personality Inventory*
Predictive Value of Tests
Psychometrics
ROC Curve
Sensitivity and Specificity
Surveys and Questionnaires*