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The latest published figure for chronic anxiety in Spain is 6.6% of adults, according to the 2023 Spanish Health Survey released May 2025 by the INE.
What do the latest data on the prevalence of anxiety in Spain show?
Chronic anxiety is more prevalent in women than in men (9.0% vs. 4.1%). It is also more common in unemployed individuals than in employed individuals (10.9% vs. 4.9%), suggesting a significant social component.
Why is the prevalence of anxiety in Spain published with a delay?
The survey is designed to be comparable over time and, in part, to European standards, which is why data collection is spread over a year. This design reduces seasonal bias but introduces a lag before final results are available.
After fieldwork, the statistical team reviews data quality, applies weighting factors, and prepares tables and reports for publication, in addition to anonymizing the data. The INE's own schedule places the next edition, for the year 2025, in October 2026, which is why 2023 remains the most recent published data set.
What do clinical records say about anxiety in Spain?
The 2024 Annual Report of Spain’s National Health System, published on 4 December 2025, mostly compiles 2023 information and describes primary care records. For anxiety disorders, it reports 111.3 recorded cases per 1,000 inhabitants and an age adjusted prevalence of 106.0 per 1,000.
These records depend on the individual seeking medical attention and how the reason for consultation is coded, so they reflect clinical practice and do not always capture mild symptoms outside the system. Therefore, they should not be interpreted as equivalent to chronic anxiety reported in a survey.
| Fountain | What does it measure? | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| ESdE 2023 | Chronic anxiety | 6.6% adults |
| ESdE 2023 | Men women | 4,1% 9,0% |
| NHS 2024 | Registered AP | 111.3 per 1,000 |
| NHS 2024 | Adjusted age | 106.0 per 1,000 |
What do the 2024 and 2025 barometers reveal about anxiety?
The 2024 Health Barometer provides more recent data, but it is not diagnostic prevalence. It asks whether, in the last twelve months, people needed to consult a mental health professional for a mental health problem or for psychological or emotional distress, and 18.21% answered yes.
In the 2025 Health Barometer, third wave of November 2025, the same question rises to 21.2%. This is a sign of declared healthcare need and can fluctuate due to social changes, access, sensitivity, or demand, without equating to a diagnosed disorder.
How should you interpret these figures if you live or travel in Spain?
For residents, expats, or tourists, the key is to identify what each figure measures and in what period it was collected. Surveys and registries operate on different logics, and international comparisons require examining definitions, age, coverage, and counting methods.
If your question is practical and relates to the public pathway, it usually starts in primary care. Vitals Today explains how to see a public psychologist in Spain.
This text is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult official sources and, if you have any doubts or feel unwell, seek professional evaluation.
