Treating Anxiety Disorders in Older Adults: Current Treatments and Future Directions

Harv Rev Psychiatry. 2015 Sep-Oct;23(5):329-42. doi: 10.1097/HRP.0000000000000064.

Abstract

Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent among the elderly and are associated with increased disability, poor quality of life, and cognitive impairment. Despite this high prevalence and associated morbidities, anxiety disorders in late life are underreported and understudied. In this article, we discuss the epidemiology, disease presentation, and current treatment of anxiety disorders in older adults. We also discuss limitations in the current understanding of such disorders in this population, as well as future research directions that may reveal the mechanisms and rationale for treatment regimens for anxiety disorders in late life. We present material on the application of the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) model to geriatric anxiety. Finally, we describe optimal management strategies of anxiety disorders.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anxiety Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Anxiety Disorders / therapy*
  • Behavior Therapy / methods
  • Female
  • Geriatric Assessment / statistics & numerical data
  • Health Services for the Aged / organization & administration*
  • Health Services for the Aged / trends
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Health / statistics & numerical data*
  • Mental Health / trends
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Psychotherapy, Group / methods