Geriatric Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders

Abstract

The elderly are not immune to the development of anxiety symptoms and anxiety disorders. Primary care practitioners frequently encounter geriatric patients who present with anxiety symptoms and anxiety disorders. Many elderly live alone and worry about finances, personal safety, and independence. Many are widowed with no children living nearby. The anxiety disorders such as, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and phobias can all occur with advanced age. As with many other illnesses in the elderly, the symptoms of anxiety may not be distinct. The presentation of anxiety disorders may be clouded by coexisting medical or psychiatric illnesses, prior life experiences, medication side effects, and the changes in sensory, motor, and physiological function associated with aging. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved) (Source: create)