Mental Health Awareness Website 'Kokoro no Hidamari' Renewed with Expanded New Content on Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Viatris Pharmaceuticals has renewed its mental health website, 'Kokoro no Hidamari,' expanding content on Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) following the approval of Japan's first GAD treatment drug.
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- 📰 Published: April 8, 2026 at 23:00
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Viatris Pharmaceuticals Japan Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo, President: Sona Kim) announced the renewal of its mental health disease awareness website, 'Kokoro no Hidamari' (https://www.cocoro-h.jp/), expanding new content related to Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Previously, ways for patients and the general public to obtain information about GAD were limited, but with the launch of this website, it is now possible to search for a wide range of information, from disease explanations to treatment options, self-check methods, and medical institutions for consultation.
GAD is a disease whose main symptoms are chronic, uncontrollable, excessive 'anxiety' and 'worry' about multiple events and activities. In addition to anxiety and worry, physical symptoms such as an inability to get enough sleep, muscle tension and stiffness, as well as restlessness, easy fatigability, irritability, and an inability to concentrate, can cause severe functional impairment in daily life and work1. According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), the lifetime prevalence of GAD in Japan is reported to be 2.6%2, and a recent study using the GAD-7, a self-administered questionnaire, reported that the prevalence of suspected GAD (GAD-7 score of 10 or higher) is 7.6%3.
Until now, there was no approved therapeutic agent for GAD in Japan, but on March 23, the serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor 'Effexor SR Capsules 37.5mg and 75mg' (generic name: venlafaxine hydrochloride) obtained approval for the additional indication of 'Generalized Anxiety Disorder' in Japan, becoming the first therapeutic agent for GAD in Japan.
With the emergence of new treatment options, it is expected that the need for access to GAD information will increase among those who have endured their symptoms as part of their personality, and those who have hesitated to consult a doctor despite being aware of their symptoms. Under the concept of 'There is a worry that can be treated,' this renewal covers useful information for many people, including those suffering from GAD, their families, supporters, and healthcare professionals, providing content that leads to a correct understanding of the disease and early detection and consultation.
Dr. Eiji Shimizu, Professor at the Center for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Chiba University Hospital, and Chairman of the Japanese Society of Anxiety and Related Disorders, who supervised the renewal of this website, stated:
'GAD is a disease in which excessive anxiety and worry about multiple events last for a long time, seriously affecting daily life. On the other hand, the actual situation is not well known to the public, and many people continue to harbor anxiety, thinking 'it's not a big deal' or 'I should endure it,' without being connected to appropriate support. However, GAD is a disease that can be expected to improve with appropriate treatment.
The website launched this time aims to provide accurate and easy-to-understand information about GAD and to serve as an 'entrance' connecting people to necessary support. We hope it will be useful for organizing symptoms, thinking about treatment, self-checking, and for patients, their families, and supporters...'
GAD is a disease whose main symptoms are chronic, uncontrollable, excessive 'anxiety' and 'worry' about multiple events and activities. In addition to anxiety and worry, physical symptoms such as an inability to get enough sleep, muscle tension and stiffness, as well as restlessness, easy fatigability, irritability, and an inability to concentrate, can cause severe functional impairment in daily life and work1. According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), the lifetime prevalence of GAD in Japan is reported to be 2.6%2, and a recent study using the GAD-7, a self-administered questionnaire, reported that the prevalence of suspected GAD (GAD-7 score of 10 or higher) is 7.6%3.
Until now, there was no approved therapeutic agent for GAD in Japan, but on March 23, the serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor 'Effexor SR Capsules 37.5mg and 75mg' (generic name: venlafaxine hydrochloride) obtained approval for the additional indication of 'Generalized Anxiety Disorder' in Japan, becoming the first therapeutic agent for GAD in Japan.
With the emergence of new treatment options, it is expected that the need for access to GAD information will increase among those who have endured their symptoms as part of their personality, and those who have hesitated to consult a doctor despite being aware of their symptoms. Under the concept of 'There is a worry that can be treated,' this renewal covers useful information for many people, including those suffering from GAD, their families, supporters, and healthcare professionals, providing content that leads to a correct understanding of the disease and early detection and consultation.
Dr. Eiji Shimizu, Professor at the Center for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Chiba University Hospital, and Chairman of the Japanese Society of Anxiety and Related Disorders, who supervised the renewal of this website, stated:
'GAD is a disease in which excessive anxiety and worry about multiple events last for a long time, seriously affecting daily life. On the other hand, the actual situation is not well known to the public, and many people continue to harbor anxiety, thinking 'it's not a big deal' or 'I should endure it,' without being connected to appropriate support. However, GAD is a disease that can be expected to improve with appropriate treatment.
The website launched this time aims to provide accurate and easy-to-understand information about GAD and to serve as an 'entrance' connecting people to necessary support. We hope it will be useful for organizing symptoms, thinking about treatment, self-checking, and for patients, their families, and supporters...'