Daily Anxiety Reported by Nearly One-Fifth of U.S. Young Adults
A George Mason University study of nearly 11,000 U.S. adults aged 18 to 25 found that about 19% reported daily anxiety in 2024, compared with 15% in 2020. Over the same period, anxiety diagnoses and prescription anxiety medication use each increased by roughly one-third. Rates were higher among women and lesbian, gay, and bisexual young adults, according to the American Journal of Public Health study.
The study analyzed survey responses from nearly 11,000 U.S. adults aged 18–25 between 2020 and 2024. Daily anxiety reports rose from 15% to 19.5%; diagnoses from 17.9% to 23.4%; and prescribed anxiety medicine use from 9.8% to 13.3%. Despite more daily anxiety, the severity respondents described stayed statistically similar.
In 2024, 44.6% of LGB respondents reported an anxiety diagnosis, compared with 18.5% of straight respondents; medication use among LGB respondents doubled to 26%. Women’s diagnosis rate was 32.1%, versus 14.7% for men. Hispanic LGB respondents had about 4.7 times the odds of medication use as straight Hispanic peers, and Black women had higher odds of diagnosis and medication than Black men.
The findings could prompt campuses, employers, and health systems to consider tailored mental-health support for young adults, especially women and LGB people, whose reported needs appear higher. They may also raise questions about whether some groups face barriers to diagnosis or treatment. If anxiety remains elevated, it could affect schooling, work, relationships, and demand for services, though the study cannot show causation.