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11
Detecting and treating anxiety Detecting and treating anxiety disorders in the elderly: clinical disorders in the elderly: clinical applications of new research applications of new research
findings findings
Eric Lenze, M.D.Eric Lenze, M.D.Associate Professor of PsychiatryAssociate Professor of PsychiatryWashington University School of MedicineWashington University School of Medicine
October 2007October 2007
22
Goals of this lectureGoals of this lecture
Describe research in pharmacologic and Describe research in pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic treatment of late-life psychotherapeutic treatment of late-life anxiety disorders and anxious depression.anxiety disorders and anxious depression.
Describe detection and management Describe detection and management strategies for these disorders.strategies for these disorders.
33
Self-Assessment Question 1Self-Assessment Question 1Which of the following should be considered in the Which of the following should be considered in the
differential diagnosis of anxiety symptoms in elderly differential diagnosis of anxiety symptoms in elderly patients?patients?
A. A. Cardiopulmonary and other medical conditionsCardiopulmonary and other medical conditions
B. B. Medication side effectsMedication side effects
C. C. Sedative hypnotic withdrawalSedative hypnotic withdrawal
D. D. All of the aboveAll of the above
E. E. None of the aboveNone of the above
44
Self-Assessment Question 2Self-Assessment Question 2
What risks are associated with chronic What risks are associated with chronic benzodiazepine use in elderly?benzodiazepine use in elderly?
A. A. DeliriumDelirium
B. B. Cognitive impairmentCognitive impairment
C. C. FallsFalls
D. D. FracturesFractures
E. E. All of the aboveAll of the above
55
Self-Assessment Question 3Self-Assessment Question 3
Which of the following may contribute to Which of the following may contribute to the low estimate of prevalence of anxiety the low estimate of prevalence of anxiety
disorders in the elderly?disorders in the elderly?
A. A. Age-related brain changesAge-related brain changes
B. B. Selective increase in mortality among anxiety Selective increase in mortality among anxiety disorder patientsdisorder patients
C. C. Epidemiologic studies do not necessarily Epidemiologic studies do not necessarily capture anxiety as it presents in older adultscapture anxiety as it presents in older adults
D. D. All of the aboveAll of the above
E. E. None of the aboveNone of the above
66
Self-Assessment Question 4Self-Assessment Question 4Which of the following contribute to the importance Which of the following contribute to the importance
of identifying and treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder of identifying and treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder in the elderly? in the elderly?
A. A. Its prevalence may be as high as 7%Its prevalence may be as high as 7%
B. B. It is unlikely to remit without treatmentIt is unlikely to remit without treatment
C. C. Effective pharmacotherapeutic treatment has Effective pharmacotherapeutic treatment has been demonstrated. been demonstrated.
D. D. All of the above All of the above
E. E. None of the aboveNone of the above
77
Self-Assessment Question 5Self-Assessment Question 5Which of the following is true of late-life depression with Which of the following is true of late-life depression with
comorbid anxiety as compared to “pure” depression?comorbid anxiety as compared to “pure” depression?
A. A. Severity of the illness is no different.Severity of the illness is no different.
B. B. Antidepressant treatment response is better Antidepressant treatment response is better when comorbid anxiety is present. when comorbid anxiety is present.
C. C. Comorbid anxiety is associated with greater Comorbid anxiety is associated with greater long-term cognitive decline.long-term cognitive decline.
D.D. All of the aboveAll of the above
E. E. None of the aboveNone of the above
88
How fear works
AmygdalaArousalAcute anxietyPanic attack
Larson et al, 2006
99
How fear works
Amygdala
Frontal cortex
ArousalArousalAcute anxietyAcute anxietyPanic attackPanic attack
WorryEscape Avoidance
Larson et al, 2006
1010
How fear works
Amygdala
Frontal cortex
ArousalAcute anxietyPanic attack
WorryEscape Avoidance
Larson et al, 2006
Control
1111
Worry
Hoehn-Saric et al, 2004
“What if…?”
1212
Worry
Frontal cortex Worry +/- AvoidanceControl
Hoehn-Saric et al, 2004
1313
Anxiety disorders have distinct Anxiety disorders have distinct clinical featuresclinical features
FearFear AvoidanceAvoidanceAutonomic Autonomic
ArousalArousal
AnticipatoryAnticipatoryworryworry
PanicPanicattacksattacks
Panic Panic disorderdisorder xx xx xx xx xx
Social , Social , specifc specifc phobiaphobia
xx xx xx xx xx
OCDOCD xx +/-+/-
GADGAD +/-+/- xx
PTSDPTSD xx xx xx
1414
Anxiety disorders have distinct Anxiety disorders have distinct clinical featuresclinical features
Fear AvoidanceAutonomic
Arousal
Anticipatoryworry
Panicattacks
Panic disorder
x x x x x
Social , specifc phobia
x x x x x
OCDOCD xx +/-+/-
GADGAD +/-+/- xx
PTSDPTSD xx xx xx
1515
What do psychiatrists ask about What do psychiatrists ask about late-life anxiety?late-life anxiety?
How important is it?How important is it?
Who sees these cases?Who sees these cases?
Is there something unique about treating Is there something unique about treating this?this?
1616
Prevalence of anxiety disorders in Prevalence of anxiety disorders in older adultsolder adults
0%
2%
4%
6%
8%
10%
12%
Any anxiety d/o
Major depression
GAD
Phobia
Panic
OCD
Beekman et al., 1995, 1998
1717
GAD: chronic, difficult-to-control worryGAD: chronic, difficult-to-control worry ““I can’t turn my mind off”I can’t turn my mind off” ““I’m a worrier”I’m a worrier”
Associated symptoms of GADAssociated symptoms of GAD Sleep disturbanceSleep disturbance FatigueFatigue IrritabilityIrritability Keyed up/on edgeKeyed up/on edge Muscle tensionMuscle tension Difficulty concentrating (elderly may describe Difficulty concentrating (elderly may describe
as memory)as memory)
1818
Early vs. late-onset GADEarly vs. late-onset GAD
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
"All mylife"
Child Teens 20s 30s 40s 50s 60s 70s 80s
Le Roux, Gatz, & Wetherell, 2005
1919
Aging: increased vulnerability to Aging: increased vulnerability to sequelae of anxietysequelae of anxiety
50 60 70 80
age
2020
Aging: increased vulnerability to Aging: increased vulnerability to sequelae of anxietysequelae of anxiety
50 60 70 80
Declining homeostasis/reserve
2121
Aging: increased vulnerability to Aging: increased vulnerability to sequelae of anxietysequelae of anxiety
childhood adulthood late life very-late life
Declining homeostasis/reserveDeclining homeostasis/reserve
1. HPA axis functioning
2222
Aging: increased vulnerability to Aging: increased vulnerability to sequelae of anxietysequelae of anxiety
childhood adulthood late life very-late life
Declining homeostasis/reserveDeclining homeostasis/reserve
1. HPA axis functioning
2. Cognitive reserve, brain volumes
2323
Aging: increased vulnerability to Aging: increased vulnerability to sequelae of anxietysequelae of anxiety
childhood adulthood late life very-late life
Declining homeostasis/reserveDeclining homeostasis/reserve
1. HPA axis functioning
2. Cognitive reserve, brain volumes
3. Functional ability, physical performance
2424
Aging: increased vulnerability to Aging: increased vulnerability to sequelae of anxietysequelae of anxiety
childhood adulthood late life very-late life
Declining homeostasis/reserveDeclining homeostasis/reserve
1. HPA axis functioning
2. Cognitive reserve, brain volumes
3. Functional ability, physical performance
4. Systemic functions (cardiac, renal, etc)
2525
Aging: increased vulnerability to Aging: increased vulnerability to sequelae of anxietysequelae of anxiety
50 60 70 80
Declining homeostasis/reserveDeclining homeostasis/reserveAnxiety
2626
Declining homeostasis/reserveDeclining homeostasis/reserve
Aging: increased vulnerability to Aging: increased vulnerability to sequelae of anxietysequelae of anxiety
50 60 70 80
Anxiety
HPA axis hyperactivity
2727
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
wake wake + 30 noon 4pm 8pm bedtime
Time
Sal
ivar
y C
ortis
ol (n
g/m
l))
Controls (n=41)
GAD (n=68)
Mantella et al, in press
HPA Axis in Late-Life GADHPA Axis in Late-Life GAD
2828
Declining homeostasis/reserveDeclining homeostasis/reserve
Aging: increased vulnerability to Aging: increased vulnerability to sequelae of anxietysequelae of anxiety
50 60 70 80
AnxietyHPA axis hyperactivity
Neuronal atrophy
2929
Declining homeostasis/reserveDeclining homeostasis/reserve
Aging: increased vulnerability to Aging: increased vulnerability to sequelae of anxietysequelae of anxiety
50 60 70 80
Anxiety HPA axis hyperactivity
Neuronal atrophy
Sympathetic tone
3030
Declining homeostasis/reserveDeclining homeostasis/reserve
Aging: increased vulnerability to Aging: increased vulnerability to sequelae of anxietysequelae of anxiety
50 60 70 80
Anxiety HPA axis hyperactivity
Neuronal atrophy
Sympathetic tone
Cerebrovascular changes
3131
Declining homeostasis/reserveDeclining homeostasis/reserve
Aging: increased vulnerability to Aging: increased vulnerability to sequelae of anxietysequelae of anxiety
50 60 70 80
Anxiety
HPA axis hyperactivity
Neuronal atrophy
Sympathetic tone
Cerebrovascular changes
?Pro-inflammatory cytokine cascade
3232
Declining homeostasis/reserveDeclining homeostasis/reserve
Aging: increased vulnerability to Aging: increased vulnerability to sequelae of anxietysequelae of anxiety
50 60 70 80
Anxiety
HPA axis hyperactivity
Neuronal atrophy
Sympathetic tone
Cerebrovascular changes
?Pro-inflammatory cytokine cascade
?Decreased neurogenesis
3333
Declining homeostasis/reserveDeclining homeostasis/reserve
Aging: increased vulnerability to Aging: increased vulnerability to sequelae of anxietysequelae of anxiety
50 60 70 80
Anxiety
HPA axis hyperactivity
Neuronal atrophy
Sympathetic tone
Cerebrovascular changes
?Pro-inflammatory cytokine cascade
?Decreased neurogenesis
Treatment-resistance
Comorbidity
3434
Declining homeostasis/reserveDeclining homeostasis/reserve
Aging: increased vulnerability to Aging: increased vulnerability to sequelae of anxietysequelae of anxiety
50 60 70 80
Anxiety
HPA axis hyperactivity
Neuronal atrophy
Sympathetic tone
Cerebrovascular changes
?Pro-inflammatory cytokine cascade
?Decreased neurogenesis
Treatment-resistance
Comorbidity
Cognitive decline
Alzheimers Dz
Depression
3535
Declining homeostasis/reserveDeclining homeostasis/reserve
Aging: increased vulnerability to Aging: increased vulnerability to sequelae of anxietysequelae of anxiety
50 60 70 80
Anxiety
Depression
HPA axis hyperactivity
Neuronal atrophy
Sympathetic tone
Cerebrovascular changes
?Pro-inflammatory cytokine cascade
?Decreased neurogenesis
Treatment-resistance
Comorbidity
Cognitive decline
Alzheimers Dz
Disability
3636
Declining homeostasis/reserveDeclining homeostasis/reserve
Aging: increased vulnerability to Aging: increased vulnerability to sequelae of anxietysequelae of anxiety
50 60 70 80
Anxiety
HPA axis hyperactivity
Neuronal atrophy
Sympathetic tone
Cerebrovascular changes
?Pro-inflammatory cytokine cascade
?Decreased neurogenesis
Treatment-resistance
Comorbidity
Cognitive decline
Alzheimers Dz
Disability
MortalityDepression
3737
Comorbidity in late-life depression Comorbidity in late-life depression and anxietyand anxiety
Anxietyalone
w/ comorbiddepression
Depressionalone
w/ comorbidanxiety
Beekman et al., 2000 (LASA)
3838
Anxiety comorbidity and acute Anxiety comorbidity and acute treatment response in LLDtreatment response in LLD
% Remitted
Days To Remission
Baseline GAD
No Baseline GAD
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0.00 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800
Steffens and McQuoid, Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2005; 13:40-47.
3939
Chi-square=7.05, df=1, p = 0.00895% CI hazard ratio = 1.22-3.72
Weeks
0 20 40 60 80 100 1200.0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1.0
Drug + Low BSI (n=35)Drug + High BSI (n=23)Placebo + Low BSI (n=31)Placebo + High BSI (n=20)
Time to Recurrence
(%)
Effect of Baseline AnxietyEffect of Baseline Anxietyon Time to Recurrence in MDDon Time to Recurrence in MDD
Andreescu et al, 2007
4040
MDD with comorbid GAD/panic: MDD with comorbid GAD/panic: memory decline over 4 years f/umemory decline over 4 years f/u
19
20
21
22
23
24
baseline 4 years
Ma
ttis
me
mo
ry s
ub
sc
ale
nonanxious MDD(n=42)
anxious MDD (n=37)
*p=0.05 for group x time comparisonDeLuca et al, 2005
*
4141
Medications efficacious for GADMedications efficacious for GAD
From clinical trials in young adults:From clinical trials in young adults:
FDA-approved: escitalopram, paroxetine, FDA-approved: escitalopram, paroxetine, venlafaxine XR, duloxetine, buspirone.venlafaxine XR, duloxetine, buspirone.
Also efficacious: other SSRIs, Also efficacious: other SSRIs, benzodiazepines, pregabalin, antihistaminesbenzodiazepines, pregabalin, antihistamines
4242
Prospective controlled studies in Prospective controlled studies in late-life GADlate-life GAD
AgentAgent studystudy LengthLength NN AgeAge Efficacy ResultsEfficacy Results
oxazepamoxazepam Koepke Koepke 19821982 4 wk4 wk 220220 60+60+ oxazepam > oxazepam >
placeboplacebo
ketazolamketazolam Bresolin Bresolin 19881988 30 dy30 dy 6363 66+66+ ketazolam > ketazolam >
placeboplacebo
alpidemalpidem Frattola Frattola 19921992 3 wk3 wk 4040 65+65+ alpidem > placeboalpidem > placebo
abecarnilabecarnil Small 1997Small 1997 6 wk6 wk 182182 60+60+ abecarnil > abecarnil > placeboplacebo
Koepke HH, et al. Psychosomatics. 1982;23:641-645.Bresolin N, et al. Clin Ther. 1988;10:536-546.Frattola L, et al. Clin Neuropharmacol. 1992;15:477-487.Small GW, Bystritsky A. J Clin Psychiatry. 1997;58(suppl):24-29.
4343
Problems With Problems With BenzodiazepinesBenzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines efficacious BUTefficacious BUT
Already heavily Already heavily prescribed in elderlyprescribed in elderly
4444
Problems With Problems With BenzodiazepinesBenzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines efficacious BUTefficacious BUT
Already heavily Already heavily prescribed in elderlyprescribed in elderly
Associated with fallsAssociated with falls
PsychotropicPsychotropic
Odds Odds Ratio Ratio of Fallof Fall
BenzodiazepineBenzodiazepine 1.4*1.4*
AntidepressantAntidepressant 0.90.9
AntipsychoticAntipsychotic 1.5*1.5*
Sedative/hypnoticSedative/hypnotic 1.11.1
*P<.05.
Landi F, et al. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2005;60:622-626.
4545
Problems With Problems With BenzodiazepinesBenzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines efficacious BUTefficacious BUT
Already heavily Already heavily prescribed in elderlyprescribed in elderly
Associated with fallsAssociated with falls
Associated with Associated with cognitive impairmentcognitive impairment
*P<.05.
Landi F, et al. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2005;60:622-626.
4646
Venlafaxine ER in older GAD ptsVenlafaxine ER in older GAD pts
-16
-14
-12
-10
-8
-6
-4
-2
0
ch
an
ge
in H
am
-A s
co
re venla (n=136)placebo (n=47)
*p < 0.01 for change compared to placebo Katz et al, 2002
Week 8 LOCF Week 8 observed
*
4747
Citalopram in geriatric anxiety Citalopram in geriatric anxiety disordersdisorders
Lenze et al, Am J Psychiatry, 2005
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
0 2 4 6 8week of treatment
Ha
m-A
sc
ore
cit
pbo
4848
Citalopram for Geriatric Anxiety Citalopram for Geriatric Anxiety DisordersDisorders
30 subjects received citalopram for up to 30 subjects received citalopram for up to 32 weeks32 weeksSignificant decreases in 4 of the 6 most Significant decreases in 4 of the 6 most common individual symptoms:common individual symptoms: Fatigue/astheniaFatigue/asthenia HeadacheHeadache Gastrointestinal distressGastrointestinal distress PalpitationsPalpitations
Blank S, et al. J Clin Psychiatry. 2006;67:468-472.Lenze EJ, et al. Am J Psychiatry. 2005;162:146-150.
4949
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for anxiety(CBT) for anxiety
Relaxation trainingRelaxation training Slow, deep breathingSlow, deep breathing Progressive muscle relaxationProgressive muscle relaxation ImageryImagery
Changing negative automatic thoughtsChanging negative automatic thoughts Overestimation of riskOverestimation of risk CatastrophizationCatastrophization
Exposure to anxiety-provoking situationsExposure to anxiety-provoking situations e.g., systematic desensitizatione.g., systematic desensitization
5050
Comparison of CBT and attention placebo Comparison of CBT and attention placebo for late-life GADfor late-life GAD
0.0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1.0
1.2
Post-tx 6 month f/u
An
xie
ty e
ffe
ct
size
CBT
Placebo
WL
Wetherell et al., 2003
5151
Many elderly persons will prefer Many elderly persons will prefer psychotherapy to medicationpsychotherapy to medication CBT most efficacious in those who can be CBT most efficacious in those who can be
adherent to homework adherent to homework Cognitive impairment can interfereCognitive impairment can interfere
Psychotherapy in late-life GADPsychotherapy in late-life GAD
Wetherell, Hopko et al., 2005; Mohlman & Gorman, 2005
5252
Relaxation training appears to be Relaxation training appears to be the most effective ingredientthe most effective ingredient
-0.5
-0.4
-0.3
-0.2
-0.1
0.0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
CBT
Relaxation training
Supportive therapy
Cognitive therapy
Ayers, Sorrell, Thorp, & Wetherell, submitted
Mean effect size in studies comparing active treatments
5353
Comparison of SSRI and CBT for Comparison of SSRI and CBT for late-life GAD and panic disorderlate-life GAD and panic disorder
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1
1.2
Eff
ect
size
post-treatment 3month f/u
sertraline
CBT
waitlist
Schuurmans et al, 2006
5454
Limitations of medicationsLimitations of medicationsMany respond, few remitMany respond, few remit Construct of “I’m a worrier” does not seem to Construct of “I’m a worrier” does not seem to
change change Many will not accept medicationMany will not accept medication In our current study, many refuse to start In our current study, many refuse to start
Uncertain long-term benefitsUncertain long-term benefits Not thought to have “durable” benefits (i.e., Not thought to have “durable” benefits (i.e.,
maintenance after med discontinuation)maintenance after med discontinuation)
Phobias unlikely to respond to medicationPhobias unlikely to respond to medication Medication could even impair response to Medication could even impair response to
therapytherapy
5555
Possible Possible Risks of SSRIs in ElderlyRisks of SSRIs in ElderlySuicide?Suicide? FDA meta-analysis = protective in age >65FDA meta-analysis = protective in age >65
FallsFalls Association studies, some experimentalAssociation studies, some experimental
BleedingBleeding Particularly in “old-old”, h/o GI bleedParticularly in “old-old”, h/o GI bleed
HyponatremiaHyponatremia Tends to occur within 2 wk of initiationTends to occur within 2 wk of initiation Risk factors: baseline low NaRisk factors: baseline low Na++, on diuretics, on diuretics
5656
Suicidality and SSRIs: effects of ageSuicidality and SSRIs: effects of age
5757
Possible Possible Risks of SSRIs in ElderlyRisks of SSRIs in ElderlySuicide?Suicide? FDA meta-analysis = protective in age >65FDA meta-analysis = protective in age >65
FallsFalls Association studies, some experimentalAssociation studies, some experimental
BleedingBleeding Particularly in “old-old”, h/o GI bleedParticularly in “old-old”, h/o GI bleed
HyponatremiaHyponatremia Tends to occur within 2 wk of initiationTends to occur within 2 wk of initiation Risk factors: baseline low NaRisk factors: baseline low Na++, on diuretics, on diuretics
5858
Possible Possible Risks of SSRIs in ElderlyRisks of SSRIs in ElderlySuicide?Suicide? FDA meta-analysis = protective in age >65FDA meta-analysis = protective in age >65
FallsFalls Association studies, some experimentalAssociation studies, some experimental
BleedingBleeding Particularly in “old-old”, h/o GI bleedParticularly in “old-old”, h/o GI bleed
HyponatremiaHyponatremia Tends to occur within 2 wk of initiationTends to occur within 2 wk of initiation Risk factors: baseline low NaRisk factors: baseline low Na++, on diuretics, on diuretics
NEW FOR 2007: BONE LOSS!NEW FOR 2007: BONE LOSS!
5959
Pharm management of late-life Pharm management of late-life anxiety disordersanxiety disorders
SSRI seems to be a good first-line choiceSSRI seems to be a good first-line choice Lexapro, Paroxetine, Effexor XR approved by FDALexapro, Paroxetine, Effexor XR approved by FDA Mgmt more important than specific med usedMgmt more important than specific med used
High risk of “side effects” leading to High risk of “side effects” leading to dropoutdropout Anxiety symptoms misperceived as due to Anxiety symptoms misperceived as due to
medication: increased anxiety, GI symptoms, medication: increased anxiety, GI symptoms, fatigue/sedation, restlessnessfatigue/sedation, restlessness
““Medication phobia”Medication phobia”
Start low, go slow – but not too slowStart low, go slow – but not too slow
6060
Detecting anxiety in elderly Detecting anxiety in elderly personspersons
Elders less up-front about anxiety SxElders less up-front about anxiety Sx Asking about anxiety in several ways may Asking about anxiety in several ways may
help (e.g., “anxious”, “worried”, “concerned”)help (e.g., “anxious”, “worried”, “concerned”)““How do you feel in times of stress?”How do you feel in times of stress?”
““What sorts of things do you worry about?”What sorts of things do you worry about?”
““How often do you feel that way?”How often do you feel that way?”
““When you start worrying, what do you do to try When you start worrying, what do you do to try to stop it?”to stop it?”
6161
Managing anxiety about medicationManaging anxiety about medication
Combination of:Combination of: Anticipatory dreadAnticipatory dread Vigilance to interoceptive stimuliVigilance to interoceptive stimuli CatastrophizationCatastrophization
Frequent visits and support, immediate Frequent visits and support, immediate availabilityavailability
Counsel in advance about side effectsCounsel in advance about side effects Likely to be temporary, unlikely to be toxic or Likely to be temporary, unlikely to be toxic or
incapacitatingincapacitating
6262
When they do get side effects…When they do get side effects…
Stay calmStay calm
Remember the attribution errorRemember the attribution error But: don’t argue about their validityBut: don’t argue about their validity
Manage the catastrophizationManage the catastrophization ““How is it today?” “Is it tolerable right now?” How is it today?” “Is it tolerable right now?”
“Are you mainly worried that it will get worse?”“Are you mainly worried that it will get worse?”
Be persistentBe persistent Hear them out, then: “let’s keep going”Hear them out, then: “let’s keep going”
6363
When to choose psychotherapyWhen to choose psychotherapy
Motivated, cognitively intact patientMotivated, cognitively intact patient
PhobiasPhobias Consider delaying medication until after TxConsider delaying medication until after Tx
Will not accept medicationWill not accept medication
Partial response to medicationPartial response to medication
Availability of high-quality psychotherapyAvailability of high-quality psychotherapy
6464
SummarySummary
Late-life anxiety disorders are important.Late-life anxiety disorders are important. CommonCommon Different risk factorsDifferent risk factors Probably more vulnerable to harmful effectsProbably more vulnerable to harmful effects Anxious depression is a particularly severe, Anxious depression is a particularly severe,
treatment-resistant illness.treatment-resistant illness.
Detection: ask, gently.Detection: ask, gently.
Management: be pleasantly persistent.Management: be pleasantly persistent.
6565
Self-Assessment Question 1Self-Assessment Question 1Which of the following should be considered in the Which of the following should be considered in the
differential diagnosis of anxiety symptoms in elderly differential diagnosis of anxiety symptoms in elderly patients?patients?
A. A. Cardiopulmonary and other medical conditionsCardiopulmonary and other medical conditions
B. B. Medication side effectsMedication side effects
C. C. Sedative hypnotic withdrawalSedative hypnotic withdrawal
D. D. All of the aboveAll of the above
E. E. None of the aboveNone of the above
6666
Self-Assessment Question 2Self-Assessment Question 2
What risks are associated with chronic What risks are associated with chronic benzodiazepine use in elderly?benzodiazepine use in elderly?
A. A. DeliriumDelirium
B. B. Cognitive impairmentCognitive impairment
C. C. FallsFalls
D. D. FracturesFractures
E. E. All of the aboveAll of the above
6767
Self-Assessment Question 3Self-Assessment Question 3
Which of the following may contribute to Which of the following may contribute to the low estimate of prevalence of anxiety the low estimate of prevalence of anxiety
disorders in the elderly?disorders in the elderly?
A. A. Age-related brain changesAge-related brain changes
B. B. Selective increase in mortality among anxiety Selective increase in mortality among anxiety disorder patientsdisorder patients
C. C. Epidemiologic studies do not necessarily Epidemiologic studies do not necessarily capture anxiety as it presents in older adultscapture anxiety as it presents in older adults
D. D. All of the aboveAll of the above
E. E. None of the aboveNone of the above
6868
Self-Assessment Question 4Self-Assessment Question 4Which of the following contribute to the importance Which of the following contribute to the importance
of identifying and treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder of identifying and treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder in the elderly? in the elderly?
A. A. Its prevalence may be as high as 7%Its prevalence may be as high as 7%
B. B. It is unlikely to remit without treatmentIt is unlikely to remit without treatment
C. C. Effective pharmacotherapeutic treatment has Effective pharmacotherapeutic treatment has been demonstrated. been demonstrated.
D. D. All of the above All of the above
E. E. None of the aboveNone of the above
6969
Self-Assessment Question 5Self-Assessment Question 5Which of the following is true of late-life depression with Which of the following is true of late-life depression with
comorbid anxiety as compared to “pure” depression?comorbid anxiety as compared to “pure” depression?
A. A. Severity of the illness is no different.Severity of the illness is no different.
B. B. Antidepressant treatment response is better Antidepressant treatment response is better when comorbid anxiety is present. when comorbid anxiety is present.
C. C. Comorbid anxiety is associated with greater Comorbid anxiety is associated with greater long-term cognitive decline.long-term cognitive decline.
D.D. All of the aboveAll of the above
E. E. None of the aboveNone of the above
7070
Self-Assessment Question AnswersSelf-Assessment Question Answers
1. 1. DD
2. 2. EE
3. 3. DD
4. 4. DD
5. 5. CC