Over the past decade, anxiety has become a growing concern in the United States. According to a study published in 2020, anxiety increased among both men and women from 2008 to 2018. In 2008, 5.95% of women and 4.22% of men reported experiencing anxiety; in 2018, those numbers increased to 7.91% and 5.35%, respectively.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also had a significant impact on anxiety levels worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, in the first year of the pandemic, the global prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by 25%. Additionally, a study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that average anxiety severity scores increased by 13% from August to December 2020, before decreasing by 26.8% from December 2020 to June 2021.
These statistics highlight the growing concern of anxiety as a public health issue in the United States and globally. As anxiety continues to impact individuals, families, and communities, it is important to understand the trends and factors contributing to its rise in order to develop effective interventions and support systems.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive worry and anxiety about everyday events and activities. People with GAD often have trouble controlling their worry and may experience physical symptoms such as fatigue, muscle tension, and restlessness. GAD affects approximately 3.1% of the US population yearly, with women being twice as likely to be affected as men.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), or social phobia, is an intense fear of social situations and being judged or scrutinized by others. People with SAD often avoid social situations or endure them with severe anxiety and distress. SAD affects approximately 6.8% of the US population yearly, with women being slightly more likely to be affected than men.
Panic Disorder
Panic Disorder is characterized by sudden and unexpected panic attacks, which are intense periods of fear and discomfort that peak within minutes. Panic attacks can accompany physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, and heart palpitations. Panic Disorder affects approximately 2.7% of the US population yearly, with women being twice as likely to be affected as men.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by recurrent, intrusive, and distressing thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) that individuals feel compelled to perform. OCD affects approximately 1.2% of the US population annually, with men and women equally affected.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD can include intrusive thoughts or memories of the traumatic event, avoidance of reminders of the event, negative changes in mood or cognition, and hyperarousal. PTSD affects approximately 3.5% of the US population yearly, with women being more likely to be affected than men.
Prevalence of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions in the United States. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 19.1% of U.S. adults had any anxiety disorder in the past year. This means that approximately 48 million adults in the U.S. experienced anxiety symptoms in the past 12 months. The prevalence of anxiety disorders is higher among females than males, with 23.4% of females and 14.3% of males experiencing any anxiety disorder in the past year. The prevalence of anxiety disorders also varies by age, with young adults (ages 18-29) having the highest prevalence of any anxiety disorder at 31.1%.Â
Anxiety disorders can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life and often co-occur with other mental health conditions, such as depression. It is important for individuals experiencing anxiety symptoms to seek professional help to manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being. Overall, the prevalence of anxiety disorders has remained relatively stable over the past decade, with a slight increase from 5.12% in 2008 to 6.68% in 2018. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted mental health, with many individuals experiencing increased anxiety and stress due to the pandemic. In conclusion, anxiety disorders are a common mental health condition that can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. It is important for individuals experiencing anxiety symptoms to seek professional help to manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being.
Factors Contributing to Anxiety Disorders
Genetics
Researchers are finding that genetic factors play a significant role in the risk of developing an anxiety disorder. Genetic factors may influence a person’s tendency to feel anxious, and these may vary among age groups, demographics, and genders. A 2020 analysis found that general feelings of anxiety were linked to specific genetic variations, suggesting that anxiety disorders may have a hereditary component.
Environment
Environmental factors also contribute to the risk of developing an anxiety disorder. Trauma or stressful life events, such as abuse, neglect, or the death of a loved one, can trigger anxiety disorders. Children who endured abuse or trauma or witnessed traumatic events are at higher risk of developing an anxiety disorder at some point in life. Adults who experience a traumatic event also can develop anxiety disorders. Stress due to an illness, financial problems, or work-related issues can also trigger anxiety disorders.
Life Experiences
Life experiences can also contribute to the development of anxiety disorders. Some lifestyle risk factors have been linked to mood and anxiety disorders, including diet, lack of exercise, and substance abuse. Certain foods may increase a person’s symptoms of anxiety or depression. People may also experience anxiety as a withdrawal symptom if they stop consuming certain foods and drinks containing caffeine, alcohol, and sugar. In addition, lack of exercise and substance abuse have been linked to increased anxiety and depression symptoms.
It is important to note that anxiety disorders are complex conditions that can result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and life experience factors. Understanding these risk factors can help individuals and healthcare providers identify potential triggers and develop effective treatment plans.
Current Trends in Anxiety Treatment
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. It is one of the most effective treatments for anxiety disorders, and studies have shown that it can significantly reduce symptoms in as little as 12 to 20 sessions. CBT is often used with medication and can be combined with other therapies such as exposure therapy.
Medication
Medication is another common treatment for anxiety disorders. Antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and beta-blockers are all commonly prescribed to help manage symptoms. However, medication is not always practical for everyone and can have side effects. It is essential to work closely with a healthcare provider to find the right medication and dosage for each individual.
Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness and meditation practices have become increasingly popular in managing anxiety. These practices involve focusing on the present moment and developing a non-judgmental awareness of thoughts and feelings. Research has shown that mindfulness-based interventions can be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and can also improve overall well-being.
Exercise
Regular exercise has been shown to have numerous benefits for mental health, including reducing symptoms of anxiety. Exercise releases endorphins, natural mood-boosters, and can help individuals feel more confident and in control. Any exercise can be beneficial, whether it’s a brisk walk, yoga, or weightlifting.
Overall, many effective treatments are available for anxiety disorders, and finding the right approach for each individual is essential. Combining therapy, medication, and self-care practices can help manage symptoms and improve the overall quality of life.
Conclusion
Research has shown that anxiety has risen recently, with significant increases observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nationwide, average anxiety severity scores increased by 13% from August to December 2020 and decreased by 26.8% from December 2020 to June 2021 (CDC, 2021). Similarly, anxiety rose from 5.12% in 2008 to 6.68% in 2018 among respondents ages 18 and older (ScienceDirect, 2020).
These trends are especially concerning among adolescents, with sharp increases in depression, anxiety, loneliness, self-harm, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and suicide, with gains more pronounced among girls and young women (Psychiatry Online, 2020). The growing consensus is that these trends may be connected to the rise in technology use.
It is important for public health practitioners to be aware of these trends and to develop strategies to address them. This may include increasing access to mental health services, promoting healthy coping mechanisms, and reducing social isolation. By working together, we can help mitigate anxiety’s impact on individuals and society as a whole.
