Rising global burden of anxiety disorders among adolescents and young adults: trends, risk factors, and the impact of socioeconomic disparities and COVID-19 from 1990 to 2021

Summary & key facts

This study analyzed Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 data from 204 countries to track anxiety disorders in 10–24 year olds from 1990 to 2021. It found a 52% rise in incidence over those 31 years, a sharp increase after 2019, higher rates in females, and rising disability (DALYs) especially in 20–24 year olds. The authors report greater burden in middle SDI regions, large increases in high SDI regions, and identify bullying victimization as a key risk factor. The results are model-based estimates using standard diagnostic definitions (DSM‑IV‑TR/ICD‑10) and the authors call for targeted prevention and community mental health management.

Key facts:

• From 1990 to 2021 the global incidence of anxiety disorders among 10–24 year olds increased by 52%.
• There was a sharp rise in incidence from 2019 to 2021 compared with previous years.
• Incidence increases were particularly notable in the 10–14 age group.
• Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rose notably among 20–24 year olds.
• Females showed higher prevalence rates of anxiety disorders than males in this age group.
• Regions with middle Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) had the highest incidence and prevalence of anxiety disorders.
• High SDI regions experienced the largest increases in anxiety disorder burden over time.
• India had the highest number of cases among countries, while Mexico showed the greatest rise in cases.
• Bullying victimization was identified as a significant risk factor, especially in regions with a high anxiety disorder burden.
• The study used GBD 2021 data (204 countries), applied Joinpoint regression and estimated annual percentage changes, and based case definitions on DSM‑IV‑TR and ICD‑10; the results are model-based estimates that depend on available data and

Abstract

The rising incidence of anxiety disorders among adolescents and young adults over the past 30 years reflects the increasing global mental health burden. Socioeconomic factors, particularly in middle SDI regions, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated this trend. Effective, targeted interventions focusing on early prevention and community-based mental health management are urgently needed to mitigate the long-term impact on young populations globally.

Topics

Bullying, Victimization, and Aggression Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development COVID-19 and Mental Health

Categories

Clinical Psychology Psychology Social Sciences

Tags

Anxiety Demography Disease burden Environmental health Gerontology Incidence (geometry) Medicine Optics Physics Population Psychiatry Socioeconomic status Sociology Young adult