Women Are Twice As Likely To Experience Anxiety

We’ve had our suspicions - call it a women’s intuition – but now, new research confirms that women are twice as likely than men to experience anxiety.

While it can be easy to shy away from discussions on anxiety and mental health, new research reveals that it is time to start talking as it’s us girls who are among those considered most at risk of anxiety. A report carried out at the University of Cambridge has identified the social groups most susceptible to feeling anxious, with women and young adults of both sexes under 35 coming out on top.

Growing pressures at work, rising property prices and worries about the future could explain these findings, as according to author Olivia Remes, who led the research published in the journal Brain and Behaviour, these groups are particularly at risk as they are 'more likely to be exposed to anxiety provoking situations.'

Additionally, according to this new evidence collated from 48 previous studies worldwide, people suffering from chronic diseases and pregnant women are also particularly affected. Perhaps owing to the added burden on their lives, figures published by the BBCshow that anxiety affects 32% of multiple sclerosis patients and up to 23% of cancer patients suffer. Meanwhile, pregnant women are said to be prone to anxiety in the form of obsessive compulsive disorder, both before and after giving birth.

Mistakenly considered to be the lesser of two evils when it comes to mental health, research into anxiety has often been sidestepped by studies into depression. However, this recent report has published new evidence calling for greater insight into anxiety, to identify those most at risk and ensure appropriate support.

With over 8.2 million cases of anxiety reported in the UK as of 2013, according to The Guardian, it is hoped that identifying these high-risk groups will lay the foundations for further research into anxiety and continue to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.

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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.