Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder Among Older Adults in Primary Care

Abstract

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is common in late life, with prevalence up to 7.3%1 in the community and 11.2% in primary care.2 Late-life anxiety predicts increased physical disability,3 memory difficulties,4 decreased quality of life,5 increased service utilization,6 and mortality.7 Coexistent depressive disorders are common.8 Generalized anxiety disorder often precedes depression, suggesting it as a risk factor.9