DBSA Anxiety Survey 2007

Summary (Top reported answers)

Are you diagnosed with:
Bipolar disorder      59.1%
Depression            40.9%

Do you also have (check one):            
A diagnosed anxiety disorder            60.5%
An undiagnosed anxiety disorder       26.9%
Neither                                            12.7%

If you are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, what are you diagnosed with:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder           20.0%
Panic Disorder                                15.0%
PTSD                                             10.0%
None of the above                              8.0%
Obsessive Complusive Disorder          8.0%
Agoraphobia                                     1.0%
Other                                              38.0%

Which of the following statements most accurately reflects your situation [check one]:

My anxiety worsens my depression or bipolar disorder   My depression or bipolar disorder worsens my anxiety  Unsure  My depression or bipolar disorder and anxiety do not affect each other

43.7% 30.2% 23.2%  2.9%

When does your anxiety worse [select 3-5]:

When my sleep patterns are disrupted In certain social situations When I'm in very crowded areas When I'm under pressure at work When my family members are having problems Around holidays and birthdays My anxiety is unpredictable When I stop taking my medication When my daily routine is disrupted When I don't eat right When I adjust or switch my medication When I'm sick because of another illness When I don't exercise When I stop seeing my therapist or doctor Other When I don't attend my support group

57.3% 51.3% 42.9% 40.7% 35.6% 32.0% 29.5% 28.7% 26.7% 17.3% 16.9% 14.8% 13.4% 11.5% 11.0%  4.9%  2.9%

Do you initiate discussion with your doctor or therapist about your anxiety? 
Yes          75.1%
No            24.0%

Does your current medication and/or treatment plan help manage your anxiety effectively?
Yes          43.2%
No            29.1%
Unsure    26.9%

Does your doctor or therapist ask you about your anxiety?
Yes        67.5%
No          31.7%

Do you use any tools, such as personal journals or mood trackers, to help manage your anxiety?
Yes             67.5%
No               31.7&

Which of the following activities helps you manage your anxiety most [select at least three, but no more than five that work best for you]: Please make between 3 and 5 selections from the choices below. 

Medication Sleep/Rest Talk Therapy Exercise Spending time with my pet(s) Music Prayer/Meditation Spending time with family/friends Reading Journaling Work/Hobby Relaxtion exercises Support groups Other Diet/nutrition No answer

71.8% 56.5% 39.0% 34.9% 28.9% 28.2% 28.1% 27.6% 21.0% 19.1% 16.1% 14.9% 12.0%  9.9%  9.9%  0.6%

Do you regularly attend any type of patient or peer-led support group? ("peer-led" support groups refer to groups of individuals with common illnesses or life experiences)?
No               81.0%
Yes             18.2%

If yes, does peer support help you manage your anxiety?
Yes           64.8%
No             20.6%

If yes, how important is peer support in managing your anxiety [Check One]?
Critical                                                       4.8%
Very important but not critical                7.5%             
Moderately important                              7.7%
Not too important                                     3.3%
Unimportant                                             9.3%
No answer                                              67.5% 

In your opinion, are anxiety disorders more accepted by the general public than depression?
Yes                 52.6%
No                   47.4%

In your opinion, are anxiety disorders more accepted by the general public than bipolar disorder?
Yes                  80.7%
No                   19.3%

page created: April 18, 2007

page updated: July 28, 2008