The Difficulty in Diagnosing Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Elderly People

It has recently come to the attention of the medical community that generalized anxiety disorders in the elderly are actually more common than originally thought. However, the process of diagnosing these types of disorders can become significantly more complicated as people enter the later years of life for a variety of reasons. This is an unfortunate phenomenon, since elderly folks can benefit from proper treatment for a generalized anxiety disorder if it is diagnosed correctly. If not, these people can suffer from symptoms that will be intense enough to affect their quality of life overall. Because of this, it is important to understand what generalized anxiety disorders in the elderly look like, and why it is so challenging to get an accurate diagnosis of the problem in this stage of life.

Similar Symptoms

One of the primary reasons that generalized anxiety disorders in the elderly may be under diagnosed is the fact that the symptoms of theses disorders can mimic the symptoms of other issues that can occur with the process of aging. First, a concern over physical ailments can be a legitimate concern at this stage of life, or it can be the result of an anxiety disorder. If the person is also suffering from the condition known as dementia, it may be difficult to deduce whether symptoms like agitation or reduced memory function are the result of the dementia or a generalized anxiety disorder in the elderly. It is also true that in this stage of life, the focus is on physical symptoms that can become more common with the aging process. This may take the focus away from psychological symptoms that can help to diagnose an anxiety disorder.

What to Watch for

If you are concerned that you or a loved one is suffering from a generalized anxiety disorder in the elderly years, there are some particular things that you can watch for. First, has the person changed his daily routines or habits recently? If so, you may be able to see an avoidance of activities that were once enjoyed if the reason is an anxiety disorder. You can also assess whether worries and concerns have become more frequent or intense. It is also a good idea to monitor medicine intake to see if medications have changed or if the person is taking more of them. Finally, you can watch for signs of depression, since generalized anxiety disorders in the elderly often go hand in hand with depression. If you notice any clues in these areas, it might be a good idea to see a doctor for a professional evaluation.