Anxiety

Question 1

Anxiety in older adults presents differently than in younger people…

Anxiety in older adults is not uncommon but is often dismissed.

Answer 1

Anxiety more so health related, if they[‘re a burden, if their resources will last, if they’ll have enough money, if they can be independent, have to rely on younger gen for technology help

Question 2

Causes or triggers:

Answer 2

• anxiety disorders;
• co-morbid conditions (depression and dementia in later life);
• direct consequence of physical health conditions common among aging persons;
• drug and diet association;
• response to social, environmental, personal, and health-related stressors in later life.

Question 3

challenges for assessment and treatment

Answer 3

Pain mixed in with depression/anxiety
Mood difficulties
Substance use

Is it Dementia or Anxiety?
Is it Depression or Anxiety?
Is it an anxiety disorder or is it a reaction?
Is it from the past

Depression: restlessness, hoplessnes, helpleness
Anxiety: worry

Question 4

Assessment of Anxiety in later life

Answer 4

• Comprehensive and thorough assessment (physical, social, psychological and spiritual)
• historical factors-
• physical health conditions, medication use, addiction
• current social, environmental, personal, and health-related stressors
• patterns of coping
• obtain collateral whenever possible!

*the same assessment used with all clients including older clients who may require additional time, patience, and compassion to build & sustain a therapeutic alliance

Question 5

Treatment of Anxiety in Later Life

Answer 5

CBT
Relaxation therapy
Supportive Therapy
Alternative Therapies
Psychoeducational Strategies
Pharmacologic interventions – may not be needed, should be short-term, and should be used to complement other interventions, not replace them.
- SSRIs
- Anxiolytics
- For older adults who have had anxiety in the past, make sure to ask what worked/didn’t work for them (medication and other interventions).