Specific phobia in older adults: evidence from the national epidemiologic survey on alcohol and related conditions.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to investigate: 1) the association of specific phobia with childhood parental loss and recent stressful life events; 2) the coexistence of specific phobia and major depressive disorders (MDDs); and 3) the impact of specific phobia on medical conditions, obesity, health service utilization, and health-related quality of life.


METHODS
Cross-sectional observational study.


METHODS
The National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (2001-2002), a national representative survey of the noninstitutionized U.S. household population.


METHODS
The 8,205 respondents aged 65 and above.


METHODS
Specific phobia was assessed using the Alcohol Use Disorder and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule-Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition version. Demographic characteristics, psychosocial risk factors, psychiatric disorders, health-related quality of life, obesity, medical conditions, and health service utilization were measured.


RESULTS
The current and lifetime prevalence of specific phobia were 4.51% and 6.05%, respectively. Multivariate analyses revealed that specific phobia was more common among younger age groups, women, and those who reported stressful life events but less common among foreign-born individuals. In addition, MDD was significantly related to lifetime specific phobia. Specific phobia was also significantly related to a lower health-related quality of life and two medical conditions.


CONCLUSIONS
Our prevalence rates of specific phobia in the elderly are at the lower end of the ranges identified in the previous studies. The correlation between specific phobia and MDD raises further questions about the nature of specific phobia in the elderly. This study supports the notion that specific phobia has a strong impact on the quality of life in old age.
Chou
Kee-Lee
KL
Department of Social Work and Social Administration, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. klchou@hku.hk
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011788:Quality of Life; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology