Burden of anxiety disorders among older adults aged ≥ 55 years in 204 countries and territories, 1990-2021: A population-based study.

BACKGROUND

Despite anxiety disorders being a significant public health concern, studies assessing their global burden among older adults are limited. We aimed to analyse trends in the global burden of anxiety disorders in older adults aged ≥ 55 years.

METHODS

Data on the incidence and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) for anxiety disorders were retrieved from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021. Temporal trends were quantified using estimated annual percentage changes.

RESULTS

In 2021, global DALYs for anxiety disorders were estimated at 8.21 million (95 % UI 5.62-11.48 million), nearly 2.5 times higher than in 1990, with an age-standardised rate of 552.7 DALYs (95 % UI 378.1-772.5) per 100,000 population. Between 1990 and 2021, the age-standardised DALY rate (ASDR) remained stable (-0.05 % [95 % CI -0.16-0.05]), with minimal differences between men (0.04 % [-0.05-0.12]) and women (-0.08 % [-0.21-0.05]). The 55-59 age group showed the highest ASDR (538.5 [361.3-767.7] per 100,000 population). The highest increases in ASDR were observed in the low-middle (0.15 % [0.03-0.28]) and low sociodemographic index regions (0.09 % [0.02-0.15]). The regions with the highest ASDRs were Latin America, Western Europe, and High-income North America.

CONCLUSION

While global trends in anxiety disorders among older adults remained stable, the total burden increased significantly, with marked regional disparities. Tailored mental health interventions, early detection, and treatment in primary care are essential to reduce the future burden of anxiety disorders in older adults, especially in low and middle-income countries.