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Anxiety Disorders in Late Life.
Katherine Ramos1, Melinda A Stanley2
1Geriatric, Education, Research and Clinical Center (GRECC), Durham VA Medical Center, 508 Fulton Street (GRECC 182), Durham, NC 27705, USA.
Clinics in Geriatric Medicine
|March 31, 2020
Summary
Anxiety disorders are a major concern for older adults, with prevalence varying due to diagnostic challenges, especially in minority groups. This review covers late-life anxiety treatments and innovations.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric psychiatry
- Mental health in older adults
- Clinical psychology
Background:
- Anxiety disorders significantly impact older adults' mental health.
- Prevalence estimates for late-life anxiety disorders are inconsistent due to methodological variations.
- Existing diagnostic criteria may not fully represent anxiety experiences in older populations, particularly ethnic and racial minorities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of anxiety disorders in later life.
- To examine pharmacologic and psychotherapy treatment approaches for late-life anxiety.
- To summarize innovations in clinical care, treatment models, and delivery for geriatric anxiety.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of late-life anxiety disorders.
- Analysis of pharmacologic and psychotherapy treatment strategies.
- Synthesis of recent innovations in geriatric mental healthcare.
Main Results:
- Anxiety disorders are a significant, yet complex, issue in older adults.
- Methodological inconsistencies affect prevalence data.
- Diagnostic criteria may require adaptation for older, diverse populations.
- Review encompasses established and novel treatment modalities.
Conclusions:
- Addressing late-life anxiety requires nuanced diagnostic approaches.
- Effective pharmacologic and psychotherapy interventions are available.
- Innovations in care delivery are crucial for improving outcomes in older adults with anxiety.
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