Probability of Having an Anxiety Disorder
19.2%
Annual probability in US
About 19.2% of US adults had any anxiety disorder in the past year, making anxiety the most common mental illness.
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting approximately 19.2% of adults (48 million people) in any given year. The lifetime prevalence is estimated at about 31.1%. Specific types include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, specific phobias, and agoraphobia.
Women are about twice as likely as men to be affected. Anxiety disorders typically emerge in childhood or adolescence, with a median age of onset of 11 years. Risk factors include genetics (anxiety runs in families), personality traits (neuroticism, behavioral inhibition), childhood adversity, chronic stress, and other mental health conditions.
Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only about 43% of those affected receive treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the gold standard psychotherapy, with response rates of 50-80%. SSRIs and SNRIs are effective medications. Mindfulness-based stress reduction, regular exercise, and adequate sleep also demonstrate significant benefits. Left untreated, anxiety disorders can lead to depression, substance abuse, impaired work performance, and reduced quality of life.
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