Statistics for Anxiety in Australia

June 21, 2023

I can provide you with some general statistics on anxiety in Australia based on information available up until my last knowledge update in September 2021. It’s important to note that the statistics may have changed, so for the most accurate and up-to-date information, I recommend consulting recent studies, reports, or reputable sources such as government health agencies or mental health organizations in Australia.

  1. Prevalence of Anxiety Disorders: Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions in Australia. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing conducted in 2007, approximately 14% of Australians (around 2.6 million people) had experienced an anxiety disorder in the previous 12 months.
  2. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): GAD is a common anxiety disorder characterized by excessive worry and anxiety about various aspects of life. In Australia, GAD affects approximately 2-6% of the population in any given year, according to the ABS survey mentioned above.
  3. Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD): SAD involves an intense fear of social situations and the potential for negative judgment or scrutiny. It is estimated that around 7-13% of Australians experience SAD during their lifetime.
  4. Specific Phobias: Specific phobias are anxiety disorders that involve an intense fear and avoidance of specific objects, situations, or activities. In Australia, specific phobias affect about 5-12% of the population.
  5. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. According to the ABS survey, approximately 5% of Australians met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD at some point in their lives.
  6. Treatment and Help-Seeking: Despite the prevalence of anxiety disorders, a significant proportion of individuals with anxiety in Australia do not seek treatment. Barriers to seeking help include stigma, lack of awareness, and limited access to mental health services. However, there are various treatment options available, such as psychotherapy (including cognitive-behavioral therapy) and medication, which can effectively manage anxiety disorders.

Please keep in mind that these statistics are based on previous studies, and the prevalence of anxiety disorders can vary over time. It’s always best to consult up-to-date sources or research studies for the most accurate and current information on anxiety in Australia.

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