Anxiety disorders was the most prevalent disorder group among females, and more common in the 12–17 years age group.
Adults ages 30 to 44 have the highest rate of anxiety of this age group, with around 23% of people this age reporting an anxiety disorder within the past year.
Overall, those aged 15–24 years had the highest proportion of mental or behavioural conditions (28%) while those aged 0–14 years had the lowest (13%).
Anxiety disorders (such as Social Phobia) are the most common type of disorder, affecting 1 in 6 (17%, or 3.3 million) Australians, followed by Affective disorders (such as Depressive Episode) (8%), and Substance Use disorders (such as Alcohol Dependence) (3.
A new review of research into anxiety disorders has reported that women and adults under the age of 35 are more likely to experience anxiety than other groups.
Anxiety disorders (such as Social Phobia) are the most common type of disorder, affecting 1 in 6 (17%, or 3.3 million) Australians, followed by Affective disorders (such as Depressive Episode) (8%), and Substance Use disorders (such as Alcohol Dependence) (3.
Seniors may experience more anxiety-inducing situations than younger adults, and they may not have as many resources for support. Some people may notice that their anxious thoughts get stronger or more frequent with age, but anxiety is a treatable mental health disorder.
The most time stressed people in Australia are the 35 to 44 age group where almost half report being chronically time stressed.
Anxiety is a common condition affecting people of all ages. In Australia, one in 14 children and young people (4 -17 years) experience an anxiety disorder.
50% of mental health problems are established by age 14 and 75% by age 24. 10% of children and young people (aged 5-16 years) have a clinically diagnosable mental problem3, yet 70% of children and adolescents who experience mental health problems have not had appropriate interventions at a sufficiently early age.
About 45 per cent of Australian adults will be affected by mental illness at some time in their life. Anxiety, mood disorders (such as depression) and substance use disorders are the most common mental illnesses experienced by Australian adults.
Over 2 in 5 (44%, or 8.6 million) Australians aged 16–85 are estimated to have experienced a mental disorder at some time in their life, with 1 in 5 (21%, or 4.2 million) having experienced a mental disorder in the previous 12 months.
The vast majority of mental disorders diagnosed in adulthood show a peak age of onset before 18, and other disorders carry across from childhood/adolescence well into adulthood.
Young and Midlife Adults
The average age of onset for major depressive disorder is between 35 and 40 years of age. Onset in early adulthood may be linked with more depressive episodes, a longer duration of illness, and therefore a more difficult clinical course.
Besides Covid-related stressors like social isolation, missed milestones, and increased family tension, background stressors such as school shootings, political unrest, and the war in Ukraine have likely fueled these increases.
Physical health issues such as thyroid problems and other chronic (ongoing) conditions. Substance use — particularly cannabis, amphetamines, alcohol and sedatives. Withdrawing from drugs and alcohol. Having a certain personality type, such as: being a perfectionist, having low self-esteem or needing to be in control.
Around eight per cent of the Australian population will experience social anxiety disorder at some point in their life (Andrews et al., 2018). Research shows that people with social anxiety are more likely to be single, unemployed and attain a lower level of education.
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), those people aged 18-33 years old suffer the highest levels of stress in the nation, In an assessment measuring stress, the millennial generation scored a 5.4 (on a scale of 1 to 10), compared to the national average of 4.9.
Having more anxiety as you age is a common issue in older adults. The most common types of anxiety disorders are: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). This type of anxiety causes racing thoughts, constant worrying, and a feeling of hopelessness.
Separation anxiety is a common part of children's development. It can start at around 6-7 months and reach its peak in children aged 14-18 months. It usually goes away gradually throughout early childhood. Fear of strangers is similar to separation anxiety.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, “… mood and anxiety disorders become less common as people age. But detection rates are also lower among older adults. They're less likely to seek assistance for mental health issues.”
The prevalence of major depressive disorder is higher in young people (12 to 17 years) than children (4 to 11 years) – 5% compared to 1.1%. Message: Almost one-fifth of all young people aged 11 to 17 years experience high or very high levels of psychological distress.
Symptoms of anxiety
feeling very worried or anxious most of the time. finding it difficult to calm down. unable to control your anxious thoughts or worries. feeling tired easily.
In Australia, approximately 14% of 4 to 17 year olds experience a mental health problem each year, amounting to 560,000 Australian children and adolescents in any one year, with 278,000 and 112,000 experiencing anxiety and depression disorders, respectively [1].