Key result
High baseline neuroticism is linked to 6-year persistent anxiety in ~23% of older adults.
Cohort (n=112)
In older adults, anxiety disorders frequently persist or remain subclinical over 6 years, with high neuroticism predicting persistence and low utilization of appropriate mental health treatments.
Persistent anxiety in older adults may warrant neuroticism screening for closer monitoring; leaves open whether personality-targeted interventions alter long-term course.
OBJECTIVE: To examine long-term outcome of late-life anxiety disorders and utilization of mental health care services. METHOD: A cohort of subjects (aged > or = 55 years) with an anxiety disorder (n = 112) was identified in the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (n = 3107). At 6 year follow-up, the rate of persistence and prognostic factors for persistence of anxiety were established. RESULTS: Six years after baseline 23% of our sample met the criteria for an anxiety disorder. Another 47% suffered from subclinical anxiety symptoms. Persistence of anxiety was associated with a high score on neuroticism at baseline. Use of benzodiazepines was high (43%), while use of mental health care facilities (14%) and anti-depressants (7%) remained low in those with persistent anxiety. CONCLUSION: Results indicate that those high in neuroticism are at greater risk for persistence of anxiety. Efforts to enhance appropriate referral of anxious older adults do not seem to have had the desired effect.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Schuurmans et al. (2005) conducted a cohort in Late-life anxiety disorders (n=112). Late-life anxiety disorders was evaluated on Persistence of anxiety disorder. At 6-year follow-up, 23% of older adults with baseline anxiety disorders had persistent anxiety, which was associated with high baseline neuroticism.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: