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Anxiety disorders in older adults: a comprehensive review
Author(s) -
WolitzkyTaylor Kate B.,
Castriotta Natalie,
Lenze Eric J.,
Stanley Melinda A.,
Craske Michelle G.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
depression and anxiety
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.634
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1520-6394
pISSN - 1091-4269
DOI - 10.1002/da.20653
Subject(s) - anxiety , comorbidity , depression (economics) , clinical psychology , psychiatry , psychology , anxiety disorder , young adult , medicine , gerontology , economics , macroeconomics
This review aims to address issues unique to older adults with anxiety disorders in order to inform potential changes in the DSM‐V. Prevalence and symptom expression of anxiety disorders in late life, as well as risk factors, comorbidity, cognitive decline, age of onset, and treatment efficacy for older adults are reviewed. Overall, the current literature suggests: (a) anxiety disorders are common among older age individuals, but less common than in younger adults; (b) overlap exists between anxiety symptoms of younger and older adults, although there are some differences as well as limitations to the assessment of symptoms among older adults; (c) anxiety disorders are highly comorbid with depression in older adults; (d) anxiety disorders are highly comorbid with a number of medical illnesses; (e) associations between cognitive decline and anxiety have been observed; (f) late age of onset is infrequent; and (g) both pharmacotherapy and CBT have demonstrated efficacy for older adults with anxiety. The implications of these findings are discussed and recommendations for the DSM‐V are provided, including extending the text section on age‐specific features of anxiety disorders in late life and providing information about the complexities of diagnosing anxiety disorders in older adults. Depression and Anxiety, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.