Global burden of anxiety disorders in adolescents and young adults aged 10-24 years from 1990 to 2021.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Descriptive epidemiological modeling and time-series study using Global Burden of Disease 2021 data
PubMed 41505676 · doi:10.1080/13651501.2026.2614011
What was done
The authors analyzed data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021 to assess trends in anxiety disorder incidence, prevalence, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) among individuals aged 10–24 years between 1990 and 2021. Metrics were evaluated at global, regional, and national levels, stratified by age and gender, and examined against the Sociodemographic Index (SDI) and bullying victimization.
What was found
In 2021, there were 16.67 million new anxiety disorder cases globally in youth aged 10–24, reflecting a 52% increase since 1990, with a notable acceleration after 2019. Females experienced higher incidence rates than males (1062.86 vs. 712.09 per 100,000). India, China, and the United States recorded the highest total case counts. A weak positive correlation was observed between higher SDI and anxiety disorder burden, alongside an increased proportion of DALYs attributed to bullying victimization.
Why it matters
This study provides updated global benchmark figures showing an accelerating post-2019 burden of anxiety among adolescents and young adults, emphasizing persistent sex disparities and the need for targeted youth mental health initiatives.
Limits
Findings rely on GBD statistical modeling rather than direct primary cohort observation, which is subject to regional disparities in data availability, diagnostic criteria, and reporting quality. The abstract does not provide confidence intervals, absolute DALY totals, or granular breakdowns by specific anxiety disorder subtypes.