Urbanicity and anxiety disorders: current evidence and quo vadis?

Abstract

Purpose of review: There are few studies investigating the effects of urbanization on various anxiety-related conditions in specific population subgroups. This review aims to examine the effects of urbanization through the lens of population subgroups as well as anxiety disorder subtypes.

Recent findings: There was more consistent evidence suggesting that those of a younger age group and from disadvantaged backgrounds (such as lower socioeconomic status, refugee status) may be more vulnerable to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). When we examined the relationship between urbanization and anxiety disorder subtype, the results were largely mixed, with some evidence for the positive association between urbanization and PTSD. Many of the recent studies had been conducted in the context of the recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Summary: The association between urbanicity and anxiety-related disorders in the various subgroups can be influenced by socio-demographic factors. Interventions and policies that aim to ameliorate the effects of urbanicity would need to identify vulnerable individuals early based on social or environmental factors. Given that the short and long-term psychological sequelae of the recent COVID-19 pandemic are still being evaluated, the inter-relationships between urbanization, external factors and specific anxiety disorders await further delineation.