Anxiety disorders in the elderly.
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.
Carmin
C N
CN
University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Psychiatry (MC 913), 912 South Wood Street, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. ccarmin@psych.uic.edu
Wiegartz
P S
PS
Scher
C
C
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000378:metabolism / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013758:Tetragastrin / Q000378:metabolism
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D013758:Tetragastrin