Anxiety disorders in the elderly

Abstract

Although the epidemiology, neurobiology, and treatment of anxiety disorders have received considerable attention in the child and adult literature, they have not received the same consideration in the geriatric population. This disparity is remarkable given the prevalence and associated costs of these disorders that can persist into late life. Further, although a considerable amount is known about these disorders in younger age groups, it is unclear whether the phenomenology of anxiety evolves over the course of the aging process. Thus, conclusions drawn based on younger populations of anxious adults may not hold true for older cohorts. This article reviews issues of epidemiology, phenomenology, neurobiology, and medical comorbidity, as well as pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic treatments in older adults.

Validity and reliability of the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory in Parkinson's disease*†

“…Our sample of PD patients showed a high prevalence of DSM‐IV anxiety disorders (28%), and high rates of comorbid depressive illness (17%) compared with the prevalence rates observed in the general non‐PD older participants (10%) [16–18]. Panic disorder, social phobia and generalized anxiety disorder predominated and this was similar to previous reporting of anxiety disorders found in PD patients [19–21].…”

Anxiety disorders in Parkinson's disease: Prevalence and risk factors

“…In our case series of PD subjects, 25% fulfilled the criteria for a current anxiety disorder. This was much higher than the prevalence reported in epidemiological studies focussing on non‐PD subjects in Australia and elsewhere 26–28. These previous studies have reported an average anxiety prevalence of 10% in the general elderly community.…”

Clinical issues in the treatment of anxiety and depression in older adults with Parkinson's disease

“…Anxiety is also common in PD . Clinically significant anxiety has been reported as ranging between 5% and 60% in patients with PD, a prevalence markedly greater than the rate of 10% in the general population and older adults . All types of anxiety disorders have been reported in PD, but generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and social phobia appear most common .…”

“…10 Clinically significant anxiety has been reported as ranging between 5% and 60% in patients with PD, 11 a prevalence markedly greater than the rate of 10% in the general population and older adults. [12][13][14][15] All types of anxiety disorders have been reported in PD, but generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and social phobia appear most common. 3,10 GAD is characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry accompanied by physiological arousal; eg, muscle tension.…”