Unlocking the Silence: Understanding and Addressing Geriatric Anxiety
摘要
Anxiety has been found to be one of the common symptoms seen in geriatric population. The prevalence of anxiety disorders has risen in older adults, especially those who have physical illnesses, those in need of home healthcare or assisted-living facilities. Those diagnosed with anxiety disorders experience more difficulties managing their day-to-day lives as compared to those with normal worries. In this chapter, the authors explore geriatric mental health issues, specifically focusing on anxiety disorders commonly seen in the elderly including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder. An in-depth review will be provided of the specific presentations and symptoms of anxiety seen in the elderly. By delineating the types of diagnoses and measures used for the same, a perspective on the various kinds of treatments, interventions, and therapies available is offered by the authors. We conclude by outlining common barriers to treatment, possible solutions, and other key determinants to be kept in mind when contemplating geriatric mental healthcare.