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Anxiety in the elderly. Course and treatment
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, California, USA.
The Psychiatric Clinics of North America
|December 1, 1995
Summary
Anxiety disorders are common in older adults, but research on their course and treatment is limited. Effective management requires considering medical conditions and tailoring treatments like medications or cognitive-behavioral therapy to individual needs.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Psychiatry
- Anxiety Disorders
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent in the elderly population.
- Limited systematic research exists on the course and treatment of anxiety in older adults.
- Late-onset anxiety disorders may represent a distinct subtype with unique characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of anxiety disorders in the elderly.
- To highlight the importance of comprehensive evaluation in this demographic.
- To discuss effective treatment strategies for geriatric anxiety.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and data from Epidemiologic Catchment Area (ECA) studies.
- Emphasis on clinical assessment, including medical history and psychosocial factors.
- Discussion of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options.
Main Results:
- Anxiety disorders remain prevalent psychiatric conditions in the elderly.
- Medical comorbidities and medications can mimic anxiety symptoms.
- Several medication classes (benzodiazepines, buspirone, antidepressants, beta blockers) show potential efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Accurate diagnosis in the elderly requires careful consideration of medical conditions and individual patient needs.
- Personalized treatment plans, combining medication and cognitive-behavioral techniques, are crucial.
- Patient education and tailored interventions can improve outcomes and prognosis for geriatric anxiety.