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Anxiety and physical illness in the elderly
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Quillen-Dishner College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City 37614-0002.
The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
|November 1, 1989
Summary
Anxiety disorders are common in older adults but often overlooked due to physical symptoms. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for elderly patients to prevent worsening anxiety and depression.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Anxiety disorder prevalence rises with age.
- Diagnosis in elderly patients is frequently delayed, often occurring after other conditions are excluded.
- Physical complaints commonly mask underlying anxiety in older individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the challenges in diagnosing anxiety in the elderly.
- To emphasize the importance of early recognition and management of anxiety disorders in older populations.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical presentations of anxiety in elderly patients.
- Analysis of diagnostic delays and their impact.
- Discussion of management strategies.
Main Results:
- Elderly patients with anxiety often exhibit somatic symptoms, complicating diagnosis.
- Delayed diagnosis can exacerbate the cycle of anxiety, depression, and physical illness.
- Effective management requires prompt identification and intervention.
Conclusions:
- Early recognition and management of anxiety disorders in the elderly are essential.
- Addressing masked physical complaints is key to diagnosing anxiety in older adults.
- Timely intervention can break the cycle of co-occurring anxiety, depression, and physical ailments.