08/26/2026
ISSUE 35: Not Just in Her Head: The Overlooked Science of Women and Anxiety
Have you ever felt your heart racing while waiting for a decision or announcement? Or felt the need to overthink every possible scenario for a conversation? These reactions are common feelings of anxiety that everyone experiences. Interestingly, despite everyone experiencing symptoms of anxiety at some point, women are almost twice as likely to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. This stark gender imbalance drives research into biological and psychosocial factors shaping anxiety that could revolutionize our diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders.
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Author: Pearl Thapar
Artist: Rachel LiuHave you ever felt your heart racing while waiting for a decision or announcement? Or felt the need to overthink every possible scenario for a conversation? These reactions are common feelings of anxiety that everyone experiences. However, up to 18% of people experience these symptoms for at least six months in situations that are considered abnormal by clinicians [1]. Anxiety disorders are the most common group of mental illnesses in the United States [2]. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) identifies twelve separate conditions, all characterized by a change in behavior caused by excessive fear or anxiety. These include panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder [3]. Interestingly, despite everyone experiencing symptoms of anxiety at some point, women are almost twice as likely to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder [1]. This stark gender imbalance drives research into biological and psychosocial factors shaping anxiety that could revolutionize our diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders.
