Definitions, Prevalence, and Treatment of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are defined as a negative affective state resulting from perceptions of threat, characterized by a perceived inability to predict, control, or obtain desired results in upcoming situations. Overall, it is estimated that an average of 4.4% of the global population are affected by anxiety disorders.^27,28 This estimate suggests that 356 million people experienced anxiety disorders in 2021, making it the most prevalent mental health disorder.^27,28 The prevalence varies between countries, and these disorders tend to affect women in greater numbers. . Women are approximately twice as likely to experience anxiety disorders in their lifetime with a lifetime prevalence of 23.4% compared with 14.3% lifetime prevalence in men.^29,30 Further, women report more severe anxiety symptoms than male counterparts (Figure 1).³⁰ This gender disparity may relate to hormonal differences and/or societal pressures, including the overwhelming percentage of at-home work performed by women, even when both partners work outside the home. It has also been noted that younger individuals experience anxiety more frequently than older cohorts.³⁰ The prevalence of anxiety disorders in the United States was 18.2% in 2022, which represented a significant year-over-year increase from 2019 (15.6% prevalence rate).³⁰

Figure 1: Gender differences in anxiety prevalence and severity in 2022. † Designates statistical significance.³⁰

Figure 1: Gender differences in anxiety prevalence and severity in 2022. † Designates statistical significance.³⁰

Treatment for anxiety disorders may include non-pharmacologic therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, interpersonal therapy (IPT), and others, pharmacological treatments with anxiolytic medications, or a combination of the two.^31-33 In some instances, particularly anxiety that is situational or transient, short-term treatment may be appropriate, but many individuals with more severe anxiety symptoms may require long-term ongoing treatment.^31-33 It is noted that although highly effective treatments for anxiety disorders exist, only about 1 in 4 people in need (27.6%) receive any treatment.³¹