Psychiatric Disorders this section includes Chapter 32. Substance Abuse and Dependence Chapter 34. Dan Blazer Anxiety disorders are classified as phobic disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder. All exist in the elderly, although they differ in prevalence and sometimes in symptoms and outcome. Phobic disorders affect some elderly persons but are more common among children and younger adults.
Few data are available regarding the course of phobic disorders into late life.
In the elderly, phobic disorders can severely inhibit social interactions. Psychologic trauma may also occur in late life, although the incidence of new-onset posttraumatic stress disorder among the elderly is low. Women are more likely than men to experience generalized anxiety disorder. Women are more likely than men to experience obsessive-compulsive disorder. Symptoms typically begin in late adolescence or early adulthood and recede by later life.