Demographics of MRI Anxiety

MRI anxiety is an international problem that affects many people around the world, although it is more significant in North America and Western Europe16. There are mixed reports of which gender experiences more MRI anxiety. Some studies have shown women are more likely to experience anxiety while others have reported men to suffer more14,16,30. A person’s economic status may play a role in whether or not they will experience anxiety, with people from higher economic status tending to experience more apprehension16.

Age may also play a role into whether a person will experience anxiety during MRIs. Studies have evaluated this issue with varied conclusions. One study concluded that the majority of people who experienced anxiety during MRI examinations were young and between the ages of 25 and 4516. Another found that children oftentimes experience high levels of anxiety, resulting in unusable diagnostic images due to movement; at times, examinations are prematurely terminated or not performed. This is why children are often sedated during an MRI scan31. A different study suggested older adults with an average age of 60 years may suffer from claustrophobia, with a 29% MRI failure rate and often requiring sedation2. Interestingly, a study specifically evaluating MRI anxiety in patients over 90 found that these patients tolerated the examination surprisingly well32.

Although there has been little research specifically reporting what ethnicities suffer most from MRI anxiety, knowing which countries suffer from anxiety disorders may be helpful. Overall, the populations of richer countries experience more anxiety then poorer countries33. A research study conducted in Malaysia was the only study found looking specifically at ethnicity and MRI anxiety. While their findings only represent the major ethnicities in Malaysia, it is still worth mentioning. Their findings were that the Chinese population suffered most from MRI anxiety followed by Malay (Malaysian), Indian, and other races34.

The international demographics of anxiety by country may be helpful to technologists. In 2017, the top five countries with the highest incidence of anxiety disorders were the United States, China, Brazil, India, Germany, and the United Kingdom, respectively35​​ (see chart for complete list). Since the COVID-19 pandemic, anxiety statistics have shifted. Anxiety among Americans is still the highest in the world, with 33% reporting mental health issues, followed by the United Kingdom and Canada with 26%36. In Europe, France has the highest number of anxiety issues with 24% followed by Sweden with 18%, the Netherlands at 14%, and Norway at 10%36. Australia and New Zealand of the Western Pacific report 23% of its population suffering from mental health issues36.

In summary and according to the literature, it appears that although some patient populations experience more anxiety than others during MRIs, the general consensus exists that anxiety is a common phenomenon among patients that needs to be addressed14,16,19.