The Prevalence of Anxiety

Women may be more likely than men to be affected by anxiety, according to a new study.

This study looked at 48 past reviews and studied the prevalence of anxiety among different populations.

The University of Cambridge researchers found anxiety to be more prevalent in women, young adults (younger than 35), those with chronic diseases (especially in the end stage), and individuals from Western European and North American cultures.

The chronic diseases evaluated were cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory disease like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes mellitus, and other chronic physical diseases like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

These researchers also found that those who had experienced trauma were more likely to experience anxiety. Also, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), an anxiety disorder, appeared more prevalent in pregnant women and in women right after giving birth when compared to the general population.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of anxiety, speak to your doctor. Your doctor can determine the best treatment.

This study was recently published in the journal Brain and Behavior.

The study was funded by the UK National Institute for Health Research. The authors disclosed no conflicts of interest.