1. ANXIETY IN OLDER ADULTS
Subtitle

2. HOW DO WE DEFINE ANXIETY?
DEFINITION: we are all familiar with worrying about health, kids, finances etc.
Anxiety differs from this worrying.
When worrying becomes constant and starts to affect our
physical health, our personal and social life, it becomes anxiety
disorder

3. HOW COMMON IS ANXIETY DISORDER IN OLDER ADULTS?
30 % of adults presenting themselves in primary care setting present with anxiety symptoms
As baby boomers become “older Adults” the percentage is expected to rise
4-8 times more common than depression in later life and twice as common as Dementia

4. Geriatric Giants Falls Frailty Dementia Incontinence Medication Issues
Anxiety

5. RISK FACTORS Gender : its more common in women
Chronic Medical Conditions : COPD, Diabetes, Stroke etc.
Extreme stress or Trauma
Single people
People who have suffered Stressful Life Events such as death of a spouse
People with less formal education
Patients with physical limitations
Alcohol, caffeine
Psychiatric conditions such as Depression, Dementia
Medication side effects of prescription as well as OTC medications

6. Signs of Anxiety Disorder in Older Adults
Excessive worry or fear
Avoiding social situations
Overly concerned about safety
Poor sleep
Feeling weak and shaky
Racing heart, shallow breathing , trembling, nausea, sweating
Hoarding behavior
Self medication with alcohol

7. DIAGNOSING ANXIETY in OLDER ADULTS
Difficult to Diagnose as Older Adults commonly present themselves with physical symptoms such as palpitations or rapid heart rate, headaches, pain etc,
Older Adults may be on several different medications and some of these medication side effects may be causing symptoms similar to those of Anxiety
Taking good history is essential
Anxiety Scales such as HAM-A is helpful

8. HAM-A

9. Treatment of Anxiety in Older Adults
Adequate treatment of co-existing conditions
Medications for Anxiety-SSRI, SNRI
Anxiolytic drug BUSPAR
Beta Blockers
Short term, very judicious use of Benzodiazepines such as Xanax, Ativan
Cognitive Behavior Therapy or CBT
Relaxation Techniques

10. What Is CBT?
Therapists help people change the thinking patterns that contribute to their fears and the ways they react to anxiety provoking situations
Therapists can teach new coping skills, relaxation techniques
Can also use exposure techniques to desensitize the patient to the situations that trigger anxiety.
Usually takes 12 or less sessions