Psychometric evaluation of the Beck Anxiety Inventory with older medical patients.

Disadvantaged older medical outpatients (N = 197; ages 55-92) completed the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). The instrument demonstrated high intemal consistency and no significant differences by sex or race, suggesting that it is appropriate to use with diverse populations. Total BAI score correlated negatively with age. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed a good fit to a 4-factor model consisting of cognitive, autonomic, neuromotor, and panic symptoms. Although scores on the BAI and 2 widely used depression scales were significantly correlated, factor analysis distinguished BAI and depression scale items, suggesting that the instruments measure distinct constructs. These findings suggest that the BAI could serve as a valuable screening test for anxiety symptoms among primary care patients who are older and have low income.