Final answer:
The prevalence of episodic anxiety within the population cannot be accurately determined from the provided references, but it falls under the wider umbrella of anxiety disorders affecting up to 28% of U.S. adults over their lifetime. Females report higher stress than males, and anxiety disorders are more common among first-degree relatives.
Step-by-step explanation:
Episodic anxiety is characterized by anxiety that is triggered by specific situations or cues and can be considered part of a broader category of anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental disorders in the United States, with estimates showing that nearly 18 percent of U.S. adults might be affected in a single year and up to 28 percent over their lifetime. While the student's question regarding the estimated percentage of the population that experiences episodic anxiety does not have a direct figure provided in the provided reference material, we can infer from the prevalence of anxiety disorders that episodic anxiety could occur in a significant portion of those affected. Anxiety disorders take various forms, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social phobias, and specific phobias.
Females have been reported to experience higher stress levels compared to males based on several national surveys. Additionally, the occurrence of anxiety disorders have been found to be more common among first-degree relatives, suggesting a genetic component to these conditions. It is important to recognize that episodic anxiety is different from typical feelings of anxiety, as it involves worry and fearfulness that lasts for months and is typically associated with anxiety disorders. Without specific epidemiological data regarding episodic anxiety, it is not possible to choose the correct answer from the options provided by the student.