Trend of anxiety disorders in China from 1990 to 2019: An age-period-cohort analysis study

Abstract

Objective

The aim of this study is to analyze the trends in the incidence and prevalence of anxiety disorders in China from 1990 to 2019 and to project future trends, thereby underpinning strategies for the prevention and control of anxiety disorders.

Study design

Repeated cross-sectional study.

Methods

Data on anxiety disorders were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, and the joinpoint regression was employed to analyze trend variations. The age-period-cohort model were used to estimate the impacts of age, period, and cohort factors and the projection of trends.

Results

The incidence and prevalence of anxiety disorders in China showed an overall declining trend from 1990 to 2019, with an average annual decrease of 0.19 % in incidence and 0.31 % in prevalence. Rates for women surpassed those for men. The highest incidence rates within the 10–14 year age group. Additionally, the period effect concerning the incidence and prevalence of anxiety disorders across different gender groups initially decreased, then increased. The RR of both incidence and prevalence decreased for males and females as the birth year progressed. Projections suggest that over the next two decades, the incidence is expected to continue rising, the prevalence is anticipated to remain stable with a modest increase.

Conclusion

The incidence and prevalence of anxiety disorders in China showed a declining trend from 1990 to 2019. It is anticipated that the incidence and prevalence of anxiety disorders will rise from 2020 to 2040. The incidence and prevalence of anxiety disorders varies with age and gender.