Anxiety Disorder – Prevalence in the United States (2023)

What is the prevalence of anxiety disorders among adults in the United States as of 2023?

1 in 5 adults or 20% of the population.

What age group has the highest prevalence of anxiety disorders?

Young adults (ages 18-25) with a rate of 30.6%.

Which gender is more vulnerable to stress-related disorders, according to the notes?

Women are twice as vulnerable as men.

What therapy is considered the best for managing anxiety?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

Name a common physical symptom of anxiety disorders.

Accelerated heart rate.

What are the cognitive symptoms associated with anxiety?

Distractibility and racing thoughts.

Which brain areas are involved in anxiety disorders?

Frontal lobe, amygdala, and hippocampus.

What is the primary chemical imbalance associated with anxiety disorders?

Not enough GABA or serotonin.

What is the familial characteristic of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

OCD is a familial disorder related to issues with serotonin levels.

Which brain areas are involved in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

Prefrontal Cortex, Thalamus, and Basal Ganglia.

What is one effect of untreated Bipolar Disorder?

It can lead to dementia.

What does internalized stigma about mental illness lead to according to the notes?

Lower self-esteem and worsening symptoms.

What initiative was launched in April 2013 to improve understanding of brain functions?

The BRAIN Initiative.

What percentage of Americans meet the diagnostic criteria for an anxiety disorder within a 12-month period?

19.1%.

What are two main types of stress identified?

Eustress and distress.

What hormone does the pituitary gland release during stress?

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH).

What are psychosomatic diseases caused by?

Chronic physiological stress reactions to perceived threats.

List one psychological stress reaction mentioned in the notes.

Depression.

What are the characteristics of a 'hardy personality'?

Control, Commitment, and Challenge.

Optimists believe bad events are:

Temporary, specific, and influenced by external factors.

What does the ABCDE method help a person to do?

Become an optimist by addressing adversity, beliefs, and consequences.