Past year anxiety disorder among adults aged 18 or older, by current employment status: 2008 to 20124
Anxiety disorders are characterized by constant and overwhelming worry and fear. Individuals who have anxiety disorders may have significant trouble functioning.1 This can make it hard for them to stay employed. According to the 2008 to 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health’s Mental Health Surveillance Study, an estimated 12.9 million adults aged 18 or older (5.7 percent) had one or more anxiety disorders in the past year.2 This includes 4.3 million people who were employed full time, 1.7 million who were employed part time, 1.0 million who were unemployed, and 5.9 million who were not in the labor force.3 The percentage of adults with anxiety disorders ranged from a high of 8.9 percent among adults not in the labor force to a low of 3.7 percent among adults employed full time. Employment can be a challenge for people with an anxiety disorder. However, about half of those with anxiety disorders are employed. A positive work environment can help them succeed. Resources to help employers create mental health-friendly workplaces are available at
http://www.promoteacceptance.samhsa.gov/publications/business_execs.aspx.