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Late Life Anxiety

Late Life Anxiety - What is it for

​Anxiety is common especially in the elderly population. Anxiety can be characterized by the feelings of tension and worrisome thoughts. Anxiety is a normal process in life. However, anxiety becomes a disorder when it becomes excessive and persistent, causing significant personal distress and affecting a person’s daily function. Anxiety disorder is a common condition but unfortunately, is under-recognized. It is vital to identify and treat anxiety as early as possible as untreated anxiety increases morbidity and mortality. Individuals with anxiety disorder are at greater risk for heart disease, stroke and depression.

The estimated prevalence rates of late-life anxiety disorder ranges from 1.5% to 15%. The common types of anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social phobia and specific phobia.

Late-life anxiety disorders are significantly associated with comorbid major depression. The course of illness tends to be chronic with fluctuation in the severity of symptoms.

Late Life Anxiety - Diagnosis

Late Life Anxiety - Preparing for surgery

Late Life Anxiety - Post-surgery care

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