How common is anxiety
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Prevalence of Anxiety: A Comprehensive Overview
Anxiety Prevalence in General Populations
Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health issues globally, affecting a significant portion of the population. In the United States, approximately 34% of adults experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives . Similarly, about 29% of adults in the U.S. will be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder during their lifetime, with nearly one-fifth experiencing symptoms in any given year . In Europe, the lifetime prevalence of anxiety disorders is around 13.6% .
Anxiety in Specific Populations
Children and Adolescents
Anxiety is also prevalent among younger populations. Studies indicate that anxiety disorders are common in childhood and adolescence, with significant variability in reported prevalence rates. For instance, the prevalence of anxiety disorders in pre-adolescent children ranges from 2.6% to 41.2%, with separation anxiety disorder being the most common . The incidence of anxiety disorders is notably higher in childhood and adulthood compared to adolescence and emerging adulthood .
Medical Students
Medical students are particularly susceptible to anxiety, with a global prevalence rate of 33.8% . This rate is substantially higher than that of the general population, highlighting the intense stress and pressure faced by individuals in medical training.
Transgender Population
The transgender population also experiences high rates of anxiety disorders, with prevalence rates ranging from 17% to 68% . Specific phobias, social phobias, panic disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorders are particularly common among transgender individuals, especially before the commencement of cross-sex hormone treatment.
Anxiety in Primary Care Settings
In primary care settings, anxiety disorders are frequently encountered but often underrecognized and undertreated. Approximately 19.5% of primary care patients have at least one anxiety disorder . Common anxiety disorders in these settings include generalized anxiety disorder (6.2% lifetime prevalence), social anxiety disorder (13% lifetime prevalence), and panic disorder (5.2% lifetime prevalence) .
Conclusion
Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent across various populations and settings, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Despite their commonality, anxiety disorders often remain undetected and untreated, underscoring the need for improved screening, diagnosis, and treatment strategies. Addressing anxiety effectively requires a multifaceted approach, including pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and increased awareness and support for those affected.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic