Optimal management of anxiety in older patients
K.J. Weiss
Bok Engelsk 1996
| Utgitt | 1996
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|---|---|
| Omfang | Side 191- 201
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| Opplysninger | Although the incidence of anxiety disorders diminishes with age, theprevalence of anxiety symptoms among older patients is substantial.These symptoms, which include cognitive and somatic manifestations,are a source of diminished quality of life. The many potentialsources of illness- and medication-induced anxiety must be excludedbefore instituting treatment. The general principles of antianxietymedication treatment in older patients include: (i) symptom reliefwith minimum sedation; (ii) improvement in sleep; (iii) freedom fromautonomic and cognitive toxicities; and (iv) freedom from physicaldependence and drug interactions. Older compounds such as thetricyclic antidepressants should be avoided, since more modern agents(e.g. Benzodiazepines and buspirone) are well tolerated andeffective. Modern antidepressants have also been used to reduceanxiety symptoms, although there is a potential for the oppositeeffect to occur. The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors appearto be better suited to treating syndromes such as panic and obsessive-compulsive disorder, whereas nefazodone would be a better choice forgeneralised anxiety complicated by depression.
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| Emner |
