Treatment of anxiety in older adults

Although late life anxiety is common and appears to have potentially serious consequences, older adults generally underutilize mental health services. This article is a broad review of psychological literature that addresses the prevalence, consequences, and psychological treatment of anxiety in older adults. Psychological treatments, including relaxation, cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and life review, are explored as alternatives to pharmacological approaches to treatment of anxiety. Several anxiety associated conditions are discussed: dementia, depression, phobias, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and PTSD. Case histories illustrate the effectiveness of psychological intervention for treatment of anxiety in the elderly. Included is a comprehensive list of manuals for anxiety treatment procedures.

Journal

English

Julie Loebach Wetherell

Wetherell, J. L. (1998, Winter). Treatment of anxiety in older adults. Psychotherapy, 35(4), 444-458. doi:10.1037/h0087745