Women are nearly twice as likely to experience anxiety as men, and people of both sexes under 35 are more likely to be affected than older people, according research that combined evidence from 48 previous reviews of studies into the condition.

    The research, published in the journal Brain and Behaviour, examines data from 48 reviews to explore trends in anxiety across different groups of people, including those with chronic diseases, gamblers and pregnant women.

    The researchers found that those suffering from diseases including cancer, stroke and multiple sclerosis have a higher chance of experiencing symptoms of anxiety than healthy individuals. They say the research could help to identify those at risk of anxiety, and make sure support is available.

    "So much research and so much focus has been around depression and, while that is an important disorder, so is anxiety," said Olivia Remes, from Cambridge University, who led the research. "Anxiety can also lead to disability, impairment [and] it can increase the risk for suicide." Women were twice as likely to experience anxiety than men, with men and women under the age of 35 more likely to be affected by anxiety than older people. "It might be that younger people are more likely to be exposed to anxiety provoking situations – they are more likely to be in employment and they are more likely to be exposed because of that to a higher number of social interactions," said Remes.

    In addition, people with chronic diseases were more likely to have anxiety compared to those who were healthy.

Source : QNA