Anxiety

Persistent fear, worry, and nervousness are symptoms of an anxiety disorder. Many older adults suffer from anxiety disorders but often go undiagnosed and untreated. Alaa Mhsen, PMHNP, at My Psych Today in Katy, Texas, is a board-certified psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner who provides mental health services to adults struggling with anxiety. Call the office or schedule a consultation online today.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety causes feelings of unease, worry, or dread. It’s a normal reaction to stressful situations.

However, if you or someone you love has persistent or severe feelings of fear or worry that disrupt their daily routine, then they may be struggling with an anxiety disorder. 

Anxiety disorders affect people of all ages, including older adults. However, despite having anxiety symptoms that affect their daily life, older adults with an anxiety disorder go undiagnosed and untreated.

Many people with an anxiety disorder may consider their symptoms — distress, headaches, or gastrointestinal problems — a normal part of the aging process. But anxiety that affects daily life isn’t normal, no matter your age. 

What causes anxiety in older adults?

There are many factors that may cause anxiety in older adults. Common factors include:

• Chronic health problems
• Side effects of medication
• Inability to get a good night of sleep
• Physical limitations
• Stressful life events
• Excessive worry over health
• Substance abuse (drugs or alcohol)

Anxiety in older adults may worsen physical health and well-being. 

What are the types of anxiety disorders?

There are many types of anxiety disorders. Common anxiety disorders that affect older adults include:

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

Older adults who excessively worry about their health, living situation, or finances may be struggling with GAD. 

Panic disorder

A panic disorder causes frequent, unexpected panic attacks. During a panic attack, you have paralyzing fear that lasts several minutes, along with physical symptoms like chest pain, sweating, and heart palpitations. 

Phobias

Phobias cause excessive fear over things that cause no real danger, like fear of crowds or spiders. In older adults, phobias may lead to the avoidance of objects or situations that trigger this intense fear. 

How is anxiety treated?

Alaa takes a patient-centered and team-based approach to treating anxiety in older adults. Treatment for anxiety may include a combination of psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, or medication management. He works closely with his patients, their caregivers and families, and other health providers to ensure the best outcomes.

Alaa offers his geriatric psychiatry services to help adult children with elderly parents struggling with anxiety, as well as healthcare professionals and assisted-living facilities who have patients with anxiety.

For safe, honest, and compassionate therapy, call My Psych Today or request an appointment online.