Sadavoy J, LeClair J K
Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario.
Can J Psychiatry. 1997 Jun;42 Suppl 1:28S-34S.
To provide a current review and synthesis of the present state of knowledge of anxiety disorders and symptoms in the elderly.
Current research derived from a MEDLINE search and references in key textbook articles and other papers were reviewed. These data were combined with the clinical empirical knowledge and experience of the authors.
Anxiety disorders and symptoms are a common presenting problem in the elderly. Current knowledge and research findings are limited. Extrapolation from adult studies are of use, but important limitations are evident because of the nature, uniqueness, and complexity of the geriatric psychiatry patient. Comorbidity, especially with depression, medical conditions, drugs, and dementia, remains an important concept in assessment and approach to management of anxiety in the older person. Comprehensive assessment of anxiety symptoms requires consideration of physical, intellectual, environmental, and social determinants. Major anxiety disorders, as defined by DSM-IV, and anxiety symptoms are significant problems in the older adult population and are responsible for significant morbidity and cost to the health care network.
Anxiety disorders and symptoms in old age, although common, have received little research focus to date. A comprehensive, careful approach by the clinician to assessment and management is required because anxiety is often a comorbid condition in the elderly. Effective treatments are available and should be applied in a flexible, integrated, and specific manner.
对老年人焦虑症及症状的当前知识状态进行综述和综合分析。
回顾了通过MEDLINE检索获得的当前研究以及重点教科书文章和其他论文中的参考文献。这些数据与作者的临床经验知识和经验相结合。
焦虑症及症状是老年人常见的就诊问题。当前的知识和研究结果有限。从成人研究中推断有一定作用，但由于老年精神病患者的性质、独特性和复杂性，明显存在重要局限性。共病，尤其是与抑郁症、躯体疾病、药物和痴呆症的共病，在评估和处理老年人焦虑症时仍然是一个重要概念。对焦虑症状进行全面评估需要考虑身体、智力、环境和社会决定因素。《精神疾病诊断与统计手册》第四版（DSM-IV）定义的主要焦虑症及焦虑症状在老年人群中是重大问题，给医疗保健网络带来了显著的发病率和成本。
老年焦虑症及症状虽然常见，但迄今为止很少受到研究关注。临床医生需要采取全面、谨慎的方法进行评估和管理，因为焦虑在老年人中往往是一种共病情况。有有效的治疗方法，应灵活、综合且针对性地应用。
