Analyzing anxiety and treatment trends using google trends: validation of epidemiologic studies and forecasting

Reza Jafarzadeh Esfehani (), Amir Rezaei Ardani () and Afsaneh Rezaei Kalat ()
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Reza Jafarzadeh Esfehani: Razavi Khorasan Branch
Amir Rezaei Ardani: University of Western Ontario
Afsaneh Rezaei Kalat: Mashhad University of Medical Sciences

Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, 2025, vol. 59, issue 4, No 28, 3649-3660

Abstract: Abstract Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent mental health conditions globally, and studying their trends helps societies provide better care and prevention plans. The present study aimed to explore the global trend of anxiety disorders and antianxiety medication-related terms using Google Trend analysis and forecast future trends. A Google Trend analysis was performed on specific search terms related to anxiety disorders from June 2005 to August 2023. Curve estimation regression analysis was conducted for the five main categories, and the Expert Modeler in SPSS software was used to model the data. Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average was applied for forecasting. Our model for anxiety-related search terms over the internet accurately predicted trends reported by the World Health Organization. The seasonally adjusted model for anxiety-related terms, BNZs, SSRIs, gabapentin, trazodone, and the sum of all drugs estimated changes of 16.8%, − 44.9%, 18.2%, 67.3%, 36.6%, and 16.8% respectively, from August 2023 to January 2030. Searches for anxiety-related terms and medications have shown an increasing trend since 2005. The forecasting model indicates a 16% rise in general anxiety searches from 2023 to 2030, with medication-related terms predicted to increase more rapidly.

Keywords: Anxiety; Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors; Benzodiazepines (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s11135-025-02126-6

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