Patients must be able to concentrate on the procedure. Other patients may benefit from relaxation therapy. A paced exercise program can be especially helpful to patients sensing a loss of control over other areas of life. Elderly persons with anxiety disorders, which commonly occur with comorbid physical illness, are much more likely to present to nonphysician health care practitioners in the managed care environment and in long-term care facilities than to physicians. Thus, professionals from multiple disciplines should be aware of the symptoms of anxiety disorders, especially generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder.
Nurses frequently encounter elderly patients with anxiety disorders in long-term care facilities.
Patients initially transferred from the hospital or from home are at increased risk for anxiety, especially mild to moderate symptoms, which may not be reported to a physician. In these cases, brief supportive psychotherapy, which is informative and nondirective, can be beneficial. Social workers frequently encounter elderly patients with anxiety disorders in mental health centers, although the elderly are less likely than other age groups to use these centers. Such patients usually present with a psychotic disorder or serious mood disorder, frequently with comorbid anxiety. Social workers can provide supportive therapy to the patient and to family members, who may be concerned as to how to manage the patient.