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⚡ Anxiety Disorders: the Most Common Mental Condition Worldwide

5 min read · Understanding Mental Conditions

How common is anxiety really?

Anxiety disorders are the most common group of mental disorders: in 2019, an estimated 301 million people worldwide lived with an anxiety disorder, according to WHO — including around 58 million children and adolescents. Despite highly effective treatments, only about one in four affected people receives care.

Forms and symptoms

This group includes generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder and specific phobias. Hallmarks are excessive, persistent worry and fear, physical tension (racing heart, sweating, trembling), concentration problems and avoidance behavior — avoiding feared situations, which can reinforce the problem over time.

Effective strategies

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy including exposure exercises is considered particularly effective. Immediately useful in daily life: slowed breathing (e.g., box breathing), regular exercise, sufficient sleep and reduced caffeine intake. Relaxation exercises are proven to calm the autonomic nervous system (NCCIH).