Anxiety and depression in the elderly

Anxiety and depression in the elderly Objectives: This paper deals with diagnostics and prevalence of depression and anxiety in the elderly, their biological, psychological, and social risk factors, and the effectiveness of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. Methods: The results are based on an overview of the literature reflecting reviews and metaanalyses. Results: In the elderly, there is a substantial danger of confounding psychogenic with medical or drug-induced symptoms. Self-assessment scales may be useful for screening, but the results should be confirmed by an expert interview. Based on the available research, we cannot yet be sure whether the prevalence of depression and anxiety in the elderly population is in fact higher, lower, or equal to younger age groups. More women are afflicted with depression or anxiety than men. Pharmacotherapy (preferably antidepressants) and psychotherapy are effective for treating anxiety and depression in the elderly, with medium to high effect sizes. To date it is not possible to provide evidence-based treatment recommendations for the type or the setting of psychotherapy. Discussion: More research on this topic is needed. Z Psychosom Med Psychother 58/2012, 336-356