Nearly 20 million Americans (1 in 9) are affected by anxiety, which is the most common mental health problem in the United States. Statistics show that:
- At some time in their lives, nearly one-quarter of the American population will have an anxiety disorder.
- Women are twice as likely as men to be affected by anxiety.
- Anxiety disorders often begin in late adolescence or early adulthood.
- Specific and social phobias are the most common of the disorders, with more than six million people affected.
- More than four million Americans have generalized anxiety disorder.
Quality of Life Issues
- Anxiety often co-exists with physical illnesses or depression, eating disorders, or substance abuse.
- People with anxiety are more likely than others to make frequent medical appointments, to report their health as poor, and to smoke cigarettes and abuse other substances.
- Those with anxiety are also more likely to develop a medical illness, and the anxiety disorder may prolong the course of the illness.
Treatment
- Only one-third of Americans suffering from anxiety disorders receive treatment, although the illness can be treated in 90 percent of cases.
- People with anxiety are more likely to seek help from their primary care physician than from a psychiatrist.
- Evidence-based treatments consist of cognitive behavior therapy, medication, or a combination of both treatments. There are more medications available now to treat anxiety than ever before.
- There is no optimal duration of treatment with medication. However, studies show that patients treated at least six months for generalized anxiety disorder have a lower relapse rate than those treated for shorter periods of time.
