Anxiety in Late Life

Abstract

This chapter focuses on anxiety disorders, which occur at high prevalence throughout the world. It summarizes contemporary findings on prevalence and risk factors. It deals with assessment issues, including rating scales. It explores the available evidence on effective management strategies in older people, including behavior therapy and antidepressant medication. Emphasis is given to the role of non-pharmacological interventions. The chapter deals with several controversial issues, including the limited evidence for the manual-based psychotherapies in late-life anxiety disorders and the role of benzodiazepines and antipsychotics. Anxiety disorders are often underestimated as causes of human distress and disability.