With life being a little strange all over the world at the moment, it may not come as a surprise to you that more and more people are experiencing anxiety. The following anxiety statistics will give you insight into the different types of disorders and who experiences them.
Here, you will find out all about anxiety around the globe, the prevalence of anxiety in the United States, the forms of anxiety you will find in the world, statistics on childhood and teenage anxiety, anxiety according to race, and eating disorders and their relation to anxiety. You’ll also find information on the best supplements and vitamins to help with this condition.
So, do not delay the excitement! Read on for more information on anxiety and its prevalence in the world.
The Top 10 Anxiety Stats and Facts
- According to data from 2017, 3.8% of the global population was living with anxiety disorders.
- Every year, 18.1% of the United States’ adult population is affected by anxiety.
- Out of all mental health issues, anxiety disorders are the most prevalent in the United States.
- The physical symptoms of anxiety can include an increased heart rate, frequent sweating, and trouble breathing.
- 3.1% of people in the United States suffer from general anxiety disorder.
- 2.3% of adults in the United States have a life-long obsessive-compulsive disorder, according to OCD statistics.
- 2.7% of people living in the United States are living with a panic disorder.
- 6.8% of people in the United States live with social anxiety disorder, which impairs basic social functioning and affects workplace atmosphere.
- Around two out of three people with eating disorders also have an anxiety disorder.
- Social anxiety disorder is more common among white Americans, with a prevalence of 12.6% and is less prevalent among other races in the United States.
Anxiety Statistics Worldwide
1. According to data from 2017, 3.8% of the global population was living with anxiety disorders.
(Statista)
Anxiety is widespread around the world. There’s a wide range of anxiety disorders that people could be experiencing, from generalized anxiety disorder to social anxiety disorder, but they all fall under the category of anxiety.
2. In 2015, it was worked out that the geographical area with the highest rates of anxiety was South-East Asia.
(Statista)
The region with the second-highest rate of anxiety was the Americas. Following closely in third place was the Western Pacific region.
3. Globally, women experience mental health problems and substance abuse issues more than men.
(Statista)
13.3% of women experience mental health problems or substance abuse issues, compared to 12.6% of men.
Anxiety in the US
4. Every year, 18.1% of the United States’ adult population is affected by anxiety.
(Anxiety and Depression Association of America)
That’s 40 million people in the country who live with anxiety.
5. Out of all mental health issues, anxiety disorders are the most prevalent in the United States.
(Anxiety and Depression Association of America)
People who live with anxiety are six times as likely to end up in a psychiatric facility or hospital than those with other mental health issues.
6. Of those adults who live with anxiety disorders, 43.5% are only mildly impaired.
(National Institute of Mental Health)
On a more serious note, 33.7% were moderately impaired, and 22.8% were seriously impaired, show anxiety statistics.
7. Emotional symptoms of anxiety disorders include apprehension or dread and being tense or easily startled.
(National Alliance on Mental Health)
Further emotional symptoms include irritability, restlessness, thoughts of the worst possible scenario, and being constantly on the lookout for any signs of danger.
8. The physical symptoms of anxiety include an increased heart rate, frequent sweating, and trouble breathing.
(National Alliance on Mental Health)
Other physical symptoms are tremors, twitching, sleep issues, exhaustion, headaches, stomach problems, and persistent urination.
9. A combination of genetics and environmental factors can cause anxiety disorders.
(National Alliance on Mental Health)
Genetics can play a part in someone suffering from an anxiety disorder. For others, real-life factors cause anxiety.
Types of Anxiety
10. There are many disorders that fall under the category of anxiety disorders.
(National Institute of Mental Health)
Anxiety types include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, particular phobias, agoraphobia, separation anxiety, PTSD, and OCD,
11. 3.1% of people in the United States suffer from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
(Anxiety and Depression Association of America)
That’s around 6.8 million people in their adult years. Unfortunately, only 43.2% of those with the disorder will be treated for it.
12. 2.3% of adults in the United States have life-long obsessive-compulsive disorder.
(National Institute of Mental Health)
Furthermore, the OCD statistics from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication show that around 1.2% of American adults had experienced obsessive-compulsive disorder in the preceding year.
13. 2.7% of people living in America have panic disorder.
(Anxiety and Depression Association of America)
That amounts to around 6 million people in their adult years. As far as gender goes, men are less likely than women to be affected by panic disorder.
14. 6.8% of people in the United States live with social anxiety disorder.
(Anxiety and Depression Association of America)
That’s 15 million people suffering from the disorder. Social anxiety disorder usually starts at around age 13.
Childhood and Teenage Anxiety: Statistics and Facts
15. 31.9% of adolescents in the United States live with an anxiety disorder.
(National Institute of Mental Health)
This is compared to 31.1% of adults who have experienced some form of anxiety.
16. Anxiety in children between the ages of 3 and 17 can be combined with other mental health issues.
(Centers for Disease Control)
32.3% of children with anxiety also experience depression.
17. 59.3% of children aged 3–17 who had been diagnosed with anxiety received treatment.
(Centers for Disease Control)
Treatment of anxiety is important in order for the child living with it to have a good life and be able to manage their emotional and physical symptoms.
Anxiety Statistics by Race
18. Social anxiety disorder is more common among white Americans, with a prevalence of 12.6%.
(The Recovery Village)
It is the second most common in African Americans, with 8.6%. Hispanic Americans have a prevalence of 8.2%, and Asian Americans have a prevalence of 5.3%.
19. Post-traumatic stress disorder is more common among African Americans, with a prevalence of 8.6%.
(The Recovery Village)
This is compared to white Americans with a prevalence of 6.5%, Hispanic Americans with 5.6%, and Asian Americans with 1.6%, according to the anxiety statistics from 2019 and 2020.
20. White Americans are more likely to suffer from panic disorders, with a prevalence of 5.1%.
(The Recovery Village)
Hispanic Americans have the second-highest prevalence of this disorder, with 4.1%. African Americans have a prevalence of 3.8%, and Asian Americans have a prevalence of 2.1%.
21. Generalized anxiety disorder is more common among white Americans, with a prevalence of 8.6%.
(The Recovery Village)
Hispanic Americans have the second-highest prevalence of 5.8%. African Americans have 4.9%, and Asian Americans have a 2.4% prevalence.
Mental Health: Statistics on Eating Disorders
22. Around two out of three people who suffer from eating disorders also have an anxiety disorder.
(Health)
The most common anxiety disorder among people with eating disorders is obsessive-compulsive disorder, while those with PTSD are more likely to experience bulimia.
23. In the United States, there are around 30 million people who live with an eating disorder of some kind.
(ANAD)
Eating disorder and anxiety statistics that are even more worrying include the fact that around every 62 minutes, a person passes away because of an eating disorder.
24. Around 1.5% of females living in the United States suffer from bulimia nervosa.
(ANAD)
And around 0.9% of women living in the United States will experience anorexia nervosa at some point.
25. Around 2.8% of adults living in the United States will experience a binge-eating disorder.
(ANAD)
Out of all those with a binge-eating disorder, in around half of the cases, it is genetic.
Supplements and Mental Health: Facts and Stats
26. The best anxiolytic supplements for anxiety include gamma-aminobutyric acid, passionflower, and valerian root.
(The Recovery Village)
Others that are good for dealing with anxiety are ashwagandha and rhodiola.
27. The best nutrients to take for anxiety include Omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, B vitamins, and L-theanine.
(The Recovery Village)
Taking these daily or adding food with them to your diet should help to reduce anxiety.
28. Brazil nuts, fatty fish, and eggs are foods that will help those with anxiety.
(Medical News Today)
More foods to consider eating if you suffer from anxiety are pumpkin seeds, turmeric, dark chocolate, yogurt, chamomile tea, and green tea.
FAQs
What triggers anxiety?
Common triggers for anxiety include certain medications, health issues, missing meals, financial issues, caffeine, negativity, stress, social events, public speaking or presentations, conflict, or even a variety of triggers that are specific to that person.
The COVID-19 pandemic, which took a global turn at the beginning of 2020, caused the uncontrollable spread of panic in the general public. The outlooks state that as much as 40% of the isolated or otherwise afflicted population experienced some form of social or existential anxiety.
Whether it’s generalized anxiety disorder, separation anxiety in adults, severe anxiety disorder, clinical anxiety, or any other form of mild or extreme anxiety, there are lots of triggers out there to look out for. If you’re looking for help with anxiety, it’s best to avoid those triggers mentioned above.
Does anxiety increase with age?
Anxiety doesn’t necessarily increase in a person as they get older. However, the most anxious people are generally those in middle-age. This can be largely because of the stresses of everyday life that they would not have faced when they were younger. It can also be because of neurological changes in the brain.
There are different types of moderate and high anxiety that affect people of different ages. For example, the type of anxiety that a child may face is likely to be very different from the anxiety that an adult may face. There are many mental illnesses that affect people of all ages, and anxiety is one of them.
Is anxiety a mental illness?
Yes, anxiety disorders do form part of the many mental illnesses out there. There are many different kinds of anxiety issues, and these include specific personalized phobias, separation anxiety disorder, anxiety disorders arising from substance abuse, social anxiety disorder, selective mutism, generalized anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, panic disorder, and anxiety caused by a health problem.
Like all psychological disorders, there are no one-size-fits-all anxiety cures. However, there are all types of medication, including generalized anxiety disorder medication, used as part of treatment for anxiety.
Who is mostly affected by anxiety?
In general, anyone can experience anxiety, despite age, gender, socio-economic standing, or ethnicity. However, there are certain people who are more at risk of experiencing anxiety.
Women are more likely than men to suffer from anxiety. Anxiety is also more common among those adults who are under the age of 35 years old. In addition to this, people with serious health issues are also more likely to suffer from anxiety.
Conclusion
These days, anxieties around the world are high given the crisis that we have found ourselves in. It’s important to know that if you’re suffering from anxiety, you are not alone. The above anxiety statistics should give you some insight into the various disorders that are categorized under the term anxiety. They should also shed some light on anxiety around the world and in the United States. Of course, you don’t have to live with anxiety without any help, as there are certain foods, supplements, and vitamins that you can take to help ease your anxiety.
