Wei Zhang, MD, PhDBetty Friedan famously wrote about a crippling malaise among 1950s housewives, dubbing it “the problem that has no name.”

In the 21st century, the malady gripping a disproportionate number of maniacally multitasking mothers/wives/professionals has been clearly identified: anxiety disorder.

Women are more likely to be affected by generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTsD), and specific phobia than men -- in some cases twice as likely, according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America.

There’s no single reason why women have an increased risk, according to Duke psychiatrist Wei Zhang, MD, PhD.

Hormonal fluctuations put more women at risk for anxiety and depression during adolescence, pregnancy, the postpartum period, and menopause. Psychological studies suggest women engage in more cognitive avoidance -- strategies to avoid threatening thoughts and emotions -- than men.

Social factors such as gender roles and discrimination seem to be in play as well. And there are more female victims of sexual assault and childhood sexual abuse, common triggers of PTSD.

Anxiety disorders not only affect the patient’s well-being, but potentially that of her offspring. “There are studies suggesting that the children of moms with depression and anxiety have worse outcomes in their academic and social development,” says Zhang, “so it’s very important to recognize and treat.”