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Anxiety in Late Life

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Mental Health and Illness of the Elderly

Part of the book series: Mental Health and Illness Worldwide ((MHIW))

Abstract

This chapter focuses on anxiety disorders, which occur at high prevalence throughout the world. It summarizes contemporary findings on prevalence and risk factors. It deals with assessment issues, including rating scales. It explores the available evidence on effective management strategies in older people, including behavior therapy and antidepressant medication. Emphasis is given to the role of non-pharmacological interventions. The chapter deals with several controversial issues, including the limited evidence for the manual-based psychotherapies in late-life anxiety disorders and the role of benzodiazepines and antipsychotics. Anxiety disorders are often underestimated as causes of human distress and disability.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Academic Discipline of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Room 05, K Floor, Mental Health Centre, Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital, Butterfield Street, Herston, 4029, QLD, Australia

    Gerard J. Byrne

  2. Older Persons’ Mental Health Service, E Floor, Mental Health Centre, Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital, Butterfield Street, Herston, QLD, 4029, Australia

    Gerard J. Byrne

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  1. Gerard J. Byrne
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Correspondence to Gerard J. Byrne .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong

    Helen Chiu

  2. Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

    Kenneth Shulman

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© 2016 Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.

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Byrne, G.J. (2016). Anxiety in Late Life. In: Chiu, H., Shulman, K. (eds) Mental Health and Illness of the Elderly. Mental Health and Illness Worldwide. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-0370-7_13-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-0370-7_13-1

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Singapore

  • Print ISBN: 978-981-10-0370-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-981-10-0370-7

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