Effectiveness of group anxiety management with elderly clients of a community psychogeriatric team

This study examined the feasibility and efficacy of group cognitive-behavioural treatment of anxiety in elderly patients referred to a community mental health team for the elderly. The referral of elderly anxious patients by GPs to the team was low over the study period. In a small within-subjects controlled trial, treatment was associated with a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms on two of the three primary outcome measures. Change was greatest for cognitive symptoms of anxiety. The impact of the treatment was less in patients with significant physical ill-health and those with chronic anxiety; different management strategies may be needed for these groups.