Comorbidity of the anxiety disorders in a community‐based older population inThe Netherlands

Authors: van Balkom, A. J. L. M.; Beekman, A. T. F.; de Beurs, E.; Deeg, D. J. H.; van Dyck, R.; van Tilburg, W.

Source: Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, Volume 101, Number 1, January 2000 , pp. 37-45(9)

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Abstract:

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate patterns of comorbidity among the anxiety disorders in a community‐based older population, and the relationship of these disorders with major depression, use of alcohol and benzodiazepines, cognitive impairment and chronic somatic illnesses.

Method: The data were derived from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA) study. A two‐stage screening design was adopted to identify respondents with anxiety disorders.

Results: In total, 10% of the elderly with an anxiety diagnosis suffered from two or more anxiety disorders. Major depression (13% vs. 3%), benzodiazepine use (24% vs. 11%) and chronic somatic diseases (12% vs. 7%) were significantly more prevalent in respondents with an anxiety disorder than in respondents without anxiety disorders. Heavy or excessive alcohol intake (5% vs. 4%) and cognitive impairment (11% vs. 13%) were not significantly associated with any anxiety disorder.

Conclusion: When anxiety disorders are diagnosed, in older people there is a relatively high probability of comorbid conditions being present.

Keywords: elderly; comorbidity; anxiety disorder; depression; cognition disorders; benzodiazepines; Severity of Illness Index

Document Type: Original article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1034/j.1600-0447.2000.101001037.x

Publication date: 2000-01-01