Literature Review
Double Jeopardy: Comorbid Anxiety and Depression in Late Life

Research in Gerontological Nursing  Vol. 3 No. 3 July 2010

By Elizabeth Beattie, PhD, RN, FGSA; Nancy A. Pachana, PhD, MA; Sara J. Franklin, BPsych Sci (Hons.)

ABSTRACT

Comorbid depression and anxiety in late life present challenges for geriatric mental health care providers. These challenges include identifying the often complex diagnostic presentations both clinically and in a research context. This potent comorbidity can be conceived as double jeopardy in older adults, further diminishing their quality of life. Geriatric health care providers need to understand psychiatric comorbidity of this type for accurate diagnosis and early referral to specialists, and to coordinate interdisciplinary care. Researchers in the field also need to recognize potential multiple impacts of comorbidities with respect to assessment and treatment domains. This article describes the prevalence of late-life depression and anxiety disorders and reviews studies on this comorbidity in older adults. Risk factors and protective factors for anxiety and depression in later life are reviewed, and information is provided about comparative symptoms, the selection of assessment tools, and challenges to the provision of interdisciplinary, evidence-based care.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Dr. Beattie is Professor and Director, Dementia Collaborative Research Centre: Carers and Consumers, and Ms. Franklin is Research Associate, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, and Dr. Pachana is Associate Professor, School of Psychology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity, including research support.

Address correspondence to Elizabeth Beattie, PhD, RN, FGSA, Professor and Director, Dementia Collaborative Research Centre: Carers and Consumers, Room 615, Level 6, N Block, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia 4059; e-mail: elizabeth.beattie@qut.edu.au.

Received: October 20, 2009; Accepted: May 3, 2010; Posted: June 30, 2010

doi:10.3928/19404921-20100528-99