Review Article
Rajesh R. Tampi , Deena J. Tam
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are not uncommon in late life. These disorders are associated with greater rates of comorbidities with other psychiatric and medical disorders. Anxiety disorders are also associated with greater morbidity and mortality in late life. These disorders are often under- and misdiagnosed in older individuals given their symptomatic overlap with other medical disorders and drug side effects. Additionally, the diagnostic criteria for anxiety disorders have been developed for younger individuals and not for older adults. Although limited, data from controlled studies indicate that both psychotherapeutic and pharmacotherapeutic modalities are beneficial in the treatment of anxiety disorders in late life.