Prevalence of Anxiety Disorders in Latin America: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Using data from 36 studies in Latin America, we calculated the lifetime, 12-month, and current prevalence of ICD/DSM anxiety disorders at 14·55% (95%CI 12·32%-17·11%); 6·61% (5·20-8·37), and 3·27% (2·34-4·56), respectively. Heterogeneity was high across different prevalence periods, sexes, and countries (all I2≥91·4%). Elevated 12-month and current prevalence rates of anxiety disorders were associated with higher Gini coefficients (p≤0·0013). Additionally, higher current prevalence was associated with lower HDI (p=0·0103) and higher GII (p=0·0023), while elevated 12-month prevalence was associated with higher IHR (p=0·011).