Older Adults' Knowledge of Anxiety Disorders

Abstract

Objectives: The underuse of mental health services for anxiety disorders is particularly pronounced among older adults and could, in part, be explained by a lack of knowledge on this subject in this population. The purpose of this study was to document senior's knowledge of anxiety.

Method: Young adults (n = 64) and older adults (n = 78) completed a sociodemographic questionnaire (including clinical variables), the Beck Anxiety Inventory and a questionnaire measuring their knowledge of the various dimensions of anxiety disorders, including symptoms, risk factors, and treatments.

Results: Results show that older adults have less knowledge about anxiety disorders than young adults and that this difference is observable for all dimensions assessed. Low level of education is associated with less knowledge of anxiety disorders. Students and those who were employed scored better that those who were retired and those with incomes below $10,000 scored better than those with higher incomes.

Discussion: Results show the importance and the diversity of knowledge needs with regards to anxiety disorders among older adults. A strategy to enhance knowledge about anxiety disorders among older adults should be adapted to this specific population (with regards to its delivery approach) and includes diverse domains of knowledge.

Keywords: Barriers to treatment; Measurement; Mental health; Mental health literacy.