Percentage of people with anxiety disorder
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Prevalence of Anxiety Disorders: A Comprehensive Overview
Global Prevalence of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent mental health conditions worldwide. According to large-scale studies, up to 33.7% of the global population may experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives1. This high prevalence underscores the significant public health burden posed by these conditions.
Regional Variations in Anxiety Disorder Prevalence
United States
In the United States, anxiety disorders affect more than 7% of adults annually, with lifetime prevalence rates reaching up to 30%6 7. Specific phobias, social phobia, and generalized anxiety disorder are among the most common subtypes8.
Europe
In Europe, the lifetime prevalence of anxiety disorders is estimated to be around 13.6%10. The European Study of Epidemiology of Mental Disorders and the World Health Organization World Mental Health 2000 studies are key sources for these estimates, facilitating cross-national comparisons7.
Spain
A meta-analysis focusing on older adults in Spain found that the overall prevalence of anxiety disorders in this demographic is approximately 11%, with point, 12-month, and lifetime prevalence rates of 12%, 6%, and 19%, respectively2. This suggests that anxiety disorders are somewhat less prevalent among older adults in Spain compared to other regions.
Tunisia
In Tunisia, a study of 436 outpatients reported an overall prevalence of 5.51% for anxiety disorders, with panic disorder being the most common subtype at 3.2%4. The incidence of anxiety disorders has increased over the years, highlighting a growing mental health concern in the region.
Age and Gender Differences
Anxiety disorders are more prevalent in women than men, with a female-to-male ratio of approximately 2:1 during women's reproductive years9. Additionally, the prevalence of anxiety disorders tends to decrease with age, although they remain a significant concern among older adults1 2.
Comorbidity with Other Mental Disorders
Anxiety disorders frequently co-occur with other mental health conditions, particularly major depressive disorder (MDD). Studies indicate that 45.7% of individuals with lifetime MDD also have a lifetime history of one or more anxiety disorders5 9. This comorbidity complicates treatment and increases the overall burden of these conditions.
Conclusion
Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent across the globe, affecting a significant portion of the population at various stages of life. While prevalence rates vary by region and demographic factors, the overall impact of these disorders on public health is substantial. Addressing the underrecognition and undertreatment of anxiety disorders is crucial for improving mental health outcomes worldwide.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Epidemiology of anxiety disorders in the 21st century
Anxiety disorders affect up to 33.7% of the population and are highly comorbid with other mental disorders, resulting in significant underrecognition and undertreatment.
Highly CitedPrevalence of anxiety disorder among older adults in Spain: A meta-analysis.
The overall prevalence of anxiety disorders in Spanish older adults is 11%, lower than that observed in other countries.
Meta-Analysis
Rigorous JournalGlobal, regional and national burden of anxiety disorders from 1990 to 2019: results from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the world, with a significant global burden, and controlling risk factors like bullying and implementing effective mental health knowledge dissemination can help reduce this burden.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedPrevalence and clinical features of anxiety disorders: Tunisian study about 436 subjects
Anxiety disorders are prevalent in Tunisia, with middle-age married women with children being more likely to have one, and early preventive programs are needed.
Rigorous JournalAnxious and non-anxious major depressive disorder in the World Health Organization World Mental Health Surveys
Comorbid anxiety disorders are common among people with major depressive disorder, but their temporal priority does not affect their persistence.
Observational StudyHighly CitedThe epidemiology of anxiety disorders: the Epidemiologic Catchment Area (ECA) experience.
Anxiety disorders affect more than 7% of adults in the United States, with higher rates in women, under age 45, those separated or divorced, and low socioeconomic groups.
Highly CitedThe epidemiology of anxiety disorders: prevalence and societal costs.
Anxiety disorders affect 15.7 million Americans annually and 30 million people at some point in their lives, posing a high individual and social burden and straining the health care system.
Highly CitedTwelve‐month and lifetime prevalence and lifetime morbid risk of anxiety and mood disorders in the United States
In the US, major depression, specific phobia, and social phobia are the most common anxiety-mood disorders, with lifetime morbid risk being significantly higher than lifetime prevalence.
Observational StudyHighly CitedThe Critical Relationship Between Anxiety and Depression.
Anxiety and depressive disorders are highly comorbid, with shared genetic risk and common nongenetic factors, and are highly influenced by life experiences and parenting styles.
Highly CitedPrevalence of anxiety symptoms and disorders in the transgender population: A systematic review of the literature
High levels of anxiety symptoms and disorders are prevalent among transgender individuals, with social anxiety and panic attacks being particularly common.
Systematic ReviewHighly Cited