title: [Treatment of anxiety and panic attacks in geriatric psychiatry].
abstract: For the treatment of anxiety disorders and panic attacks in elderly patients a multidimensional approach including pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and behavioral modification is crucial. More than in younger patients side effects of drugs have to be taken into account. For the long-term treatment only a few psychotropic drugs are recommended. Useful substances are antidepressants including tricyclics and the newer class of SSRI. Buspirone may also play a role in the long-term pharmacotherapy of anxiety disorders. Neuroleptics, benzodiazepines and betablockers should only be prescribed after careful evaluation; by and large, they are of minor significance in the long-term strategy due to significant adverse effects. The pharmacological treatment should always be accompanied by psychotherapy. In particular, behavioral therapy and behavioral modification strategies are of benefit.
authors.affiliation: Abteilung für Gerontopsychiatrie, Universitäre Psychiatrische Dienste Bern.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Madarasz
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Strnad
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bahro
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006801:Humans; D016584:Panic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011613:Psychotherapy; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D011619:Psychotropic Drugs