Final answer:
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is the anxiety disorder that is equally prevalent in both males and females, contrasting with other anxiety disorders that often show higher prevalence in one gender.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find answer in 2 lines, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is equally prevalent among males and females. In the realm of anxiety disorders, GAD stands out as it does not display a marked gender difference in its occurrence, contrasting with other forms of anxiety disorders.
An explanation in 200 words highlights that anxiety disorders, overall, are the most common form of mental disorders in the United States, affecting nearly 18% of adults annually. Not all stress responses equate to an anxiety disorder; true anxiety disorders are marked by persistent and excessive worry that disrupts daily functioning. While some, like PTSD, exhibit higher prevalence in females, and others, such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), could be more common in one gender at different times throughout life, GAD's occurrence is unique. Research indicates that its incidence rate does not show significant variation between men and women, making it an exception within the category of anxiety disorders. It is vital for healthcare professionals and patients alike to understand this equal distribution when considering the epidemiology and treatment approaches for GAD.