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Anxiety disorders (ADs) have a significant impact on individuals' quality of life and productivity, contributing to substantial economic losses at the national level. Unfortunately, comprehensive epidemiological studies on the burden of ADs in India have been limited.
The National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) 2016 aimed to address this gap by assessing the prevalence, disability, sociodemographic associates, and treatment gap of ADs among adults in India.
The NMHS 2016 was a comprehensive study conducted in 12 Indian states from 2014 to 2016, aiming to represent the entire nation.
It employed the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview 6.0.0 to diagnose anxiety disorders (including generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia, and social anxiety disorder). Disability levels were evaluated using Sheehan's Disability Scale.
Study Results
The study found that the current weighted prevalence of ADs among the adult population in India was 2.57% [(comparable to depressive disorders (2.68%)], with females being more affected than males.
Among the specific anxiety disorders, the prevalence varied from 1.6% for agoraphobia to 0.57% for generalised anxiety disorder (GAD).
Associated with ADs included:
- Female gender
- The age group of 40-59
- Dwelling in urban metros.
Alarmingly, around 60% of individuals with ADs experienced varying degrees of disability. Moreover, the overall treatment gap for ADs was a significant 82.9%, indicating a substantial unmet need for mental health care.
The prevalence of ADs in India, as revealed by NMHS 2016, is comparable to that of depressive disorders, emphasising the need for policymakers to prioritise both conditions in public health programs.
The high treatment gap highlights the challenges in providing adequate mental health care, especially in urban areas and underscores the need for immediate action.
The findings from the National Mental Health Survey 2016 shed light on the prevalence and treatment gap of anxiety disorders in India. Addressing these issues is imperative to improve the overall mental health and well-being of the population, emphasising the need of integrating mental health services into public health programs.
Reference:
Manjunatha N, Jayasankar P, Suhas S, et al. Prevalence and its correlates of anxiety disorders from India’s National Mental Health Survey 2016. Indian Journal of Psychiatry. 2022;64(2):138-42
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