Síntomas del trastorno de ansiedad generalizada como factor de riesgo del consumo de sustancias psicotrópicas en habitantes de 20 a 50 años de edad en el Centro Histórico del Distrito Metropolitano de Quito periodo 2024.

Abstract

The symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) are characterized by constant and uncontrollable worry about everyday situations, affecting the quality of life and daily functioning of those who experience it. Meanwhile, in recent years, the increase in the consumption of psychotropic substances has emerged as a public health issue. The main objective of this study is to analyze the relationship between the symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and the use of psychotropic substances in adults aged 20 to 50 in the Historic Center of the Metropolitan District of Quito in 2024. A quantitative approach and a non-experimental cross-sectional design were used, with no variable manipulation, applying non-probabilistic convenience sampling. The sample for this research consisted of 65 participants, including men and women living in the Historic Center of Quito. In this population, characterized by an environment with multiple stress factors, a higher vulnerability to anxiety symptoms and substance use was hypothesized. For evaluation, two standardized and validated scales were used: the GAD-7 to measure GAD levels and the ASSIST scale to identify types of substances used. Data obtained were analyzed using Spearman’s correlation through the Jamovi software. The results indicated that 52.3% of the participants did not present GAD symptoms, while a significant 47.7% showed symptomatology. Regarding substance use, 83.1% smoked cigarettes and 98.5% consumed alcohol, while 27.7% and 20% used cannabis and cocaine, respectively. Correlations showed a significant relationship between GAD symptoms and cannabis (rho=0.507) and cocaine use (rho=0.483), as well as moderate but significant correlations with stimulants (rho=0.318) and hallucinogens (rho=0.360). These findings confirm that the symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) can act as a risk factor for the use of psychotropic substances such as cannabis, cocaine, stimulants, and hallucinogens, highlighting the need for preventive interventions in vulnerable populations.