ABSTRACT
Several studies have examined the prevalence of different anxiety dis-
orders in community-based populations (Box 19). The prevalence rates
for phobias range from less than 1% to 11.7%; for generalized anxiety
the range is between 1.4 and 7.3%. The variability in these findings
probably reflects the use in some of specific case-finding instruments
designed for elderly patients, e.g. the lower estimates suggest the need to
have experienced the phobic reaction over the last month when many
older people have completely avoided these stimuli. There is a general
consensus that panic disorder is extremely rare in old age although
panic attacks may occur comorbidly with other disorders.
