Epidemiology of anxiety disorders in the 21st century.
Anxiety disorders, including panic disorder with or without agoraphobia, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, and separation anxiety disorder, are the most prevalent mental disorders and are associated with immense health care costs and a high burden of disease. According to large population-based surveys, up to 33.7% of the population are affected by an anxiety disorder during their lifetime. Substantial underrecognition and undertreatment of these disorders have been demonstrated. There is no evidence that the prevalence rates of anxiety disorders have changed in the past years. In cross-cultural comparisons, prevalence rates are highly variable. It is more likely that this heterogeneity is due to differences in methodology than to cultural influences. Anxiety disorders follow a chronic course; however, there is a natural decrease in prevalence rates with older age. Anxiety disorders are highly comorbid with other anxiety disorders and other mental disorders.
Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre, Göttingen, Germany.
Borwin
B
Bandelow
Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre, Göttingen, Germany.
Sophie
S
Michaelis
D017668:Age of Onset; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000266:history*; D014943:Global Health / Q000191:economics / Q000266:history / Q000639:trends*; D049670:History, 17th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012727:Sex Characteristics
agoraphobia; anxiety disorder; comorbidity; epidemiology; generalized anxiety disorder; panic disorder; separation anxiety disorder; social anxiety disorder; specific phobia