Does Presentation of Late-Life Generalized Anxiety Disorder Change with Advancing Age? - Abstract citation ID igaf122.3573

Sep 29, 2026

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a common anxiety condition in older adults, making it important to determine whether aging changes its clinical presentation. This study evaluated how age relates to GAD presentation in participants aged 60 to 87 years (N=109). Using a structured diagnostic interview and validated measures of GAD severity, worry tendency, behavioral manifestations, depression, and disability, most analyses found no significant age effects. Comparisons across age groups showed higher comorbid anxiety and death-related worries in older participants, while younger participants reported more work or school-related worries.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Study focus

Participants and age range

Assessment methods

Main findings

Age-group comparisons

Clinical implications

FAQs

What question does the study address about generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in older adults?

It examines whether the clinical presentation of GAD changes with advancing age in people aged 60 to 87 years.

How was GAD presentation assessed in the study?

Researchers used a structured diagnostic interview and participants completed measures covering GAD severity, worry tendency, behavioral manifestations, depression, and disability.

Did age show a significant relationship with GAD presentation overall?

Most analyses did not show a significant relationship between age and indices of GAD presentation among older adults.

What differences emerged between younger and older participants?

The older group had significantly higher rates of comorbid anxiety disorders and death-related worries, while the younger group reported more work or school-related worries.

Sep 29, 2026

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