North Americans have the highest rates of anxiety and the proportion is lowest in Eastern Asia. However, this recent report has published new evidence calling for greater insight into anxiety, to identify those most at risk and ensure appropriate support.
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While it can be easy to shy away from discussions on anxiety and mental health, new research reveals that it is time to start talking as it’s us girls who are among those considered most at risk of anxiety.
The study also found that people from Western Europe and North America are more likely to suffer from anxiety than people from other cultures.
But, as Remes points out, these figures only relate to those actually diagnosed with anxiety disorders, and refer to the general population.
Women are almost twice as likely to experience anxiety as men, and people of both sexes under 35 are more likely to be affected than older people, according research that combined evidence from 48 previous reviews of studies into the condition.
The review, in Brain And Behaviour journal, also highlighted how anxiety disorders often provide a double burden on people with other issues such as heart disease, cancer and even pregnancy.
It’s not known why women seem more prone to anxiety, but it could be differences in brain chemistry between the two genders, Remes suggested.
The authors acknowledge that while anxiety disorders is a growing area of interest, there are some limitations to existing research.
In addition, those suffering from other health problems are more likely to have anxiety disorders, with as many as 70 percent reporting anxiety among their physical ills, the review found.
Remes and her team looked at over 1,200 previous studies regarding anxiety and focused on 48 of them for their research.
Not only women and young people under the age of 35, but anyone living in Western countries or North America is at a higher risk of developing an anxiety disorder. They found that from 1990 to 2012, the number of people with anxiety disorders remained approximately the same: around four out of 100. It’s also unclear why younger people are more likely to develop anxiety disorders, but Remes says older people just might be better at hiding or coping with their anxiety issues.
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In the United States of America alone, anxiety disorders cost an estimated $42 billion a year. People living with multiple sclerosis are most affected – as many as one in three patients (32%) also have an anxiety disorder. While around 1 in 100 people in the general population had OCD, the rate was raised in those who had recently given birth and nearly double in pregnant women. Only one in 100 in the general population is affected by OCD. Up to a third of patients with MS had an anxiety disorder, while the figure ranged between 18% and 35% for stroke patients. “Although many groups have examined this important topic, significant gaps in research remain”. “Also, people who have a chronic health condition are at a particular risk, adding a double burden on their lives”, Remes noted. “[Anxiety disorders] can increase the risk for suicide, disability, and poor quality of life”, Remes said.
