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Updated: Apr 8, 2026
06:58
Highlighting and Reducing the Impact of Negative Aging Stereotypes During Older Adults' Cognitive Testing
Published on: January 24, 2020
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[Anxiety disorders in older adults]
Mathieu Bruno1, Alexis Lepetit2
1Département de médecine générale, Université Lyon Est, Lyon, France.
Summary
Anxiety disorders affect many elderly individuals, with phobic and generalized anxiety disorders being most common. Treatment involves antidepressants and psychotherapy, though optimal duration remains unclear.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Anxiety disorders are prevalent in the elderly, affecting 3.2-14.2% of this population.
- Phobic disorders and generalized anxiety disorder are more frequent than panic, OCD, or PTSD in older adults.
- Anxiety disorders often begin in adulthood, become chronic, and present with age-modified clinical characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the prevalence and characteristics of anxiety disorders in the elderly.
- To discuss psychiatric comorbidities and treatment options for anxiety in older adults.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on studies of anxiety disorders specifically in the elderly population.
- Analysis of reported prevalence rates, common anxiety disorder types, comorbidities, and treatment strategies.
Main Results:
- Phobic disorders and generalized anxiety disorder are the most common anxiety disorders in the elderly.
- Depressive disorders and alcohol addiction are significant psychiatric comorbidities.
- Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs) are primary drug treatments, with limited consensus on treatment duration.
Conclusions:
- Anxiety disorders are a significant concern in the elderly, requiring tailored clinical approaches.
- Non-pharmacological treatments like supportive psychotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapies are recommended.
- Further research is needed on anxiety disorders specifically within the aging population.
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