Treating Anxiety in Older Adults Living in Long-Term Care
Date
2021-08-10
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Abstract
Background: We do not know which treatments for anxiety symptoms and disorders are most effective for residents of long-term care (LTC). There is a need to identify evidence-based treatment strategies for anxiety symptoms and disorders, specific to long-term care residents, to reduce additional suffering and improve care for this complex and vulnerable population. Objectives: The research objectives were first to identify which therapies for anxiety symptoms and disorders are efficacious in older adults living in LTC and second to understand what the common barriers and facilitators may be to the detection, diagnosis, and management of anxiety symptoms and disorders in LTC. Methods: First, a systematic review and meta-analysis was completed to identify and evaluate existing treatments for anxiety symptoms and disorders used in the LTC setting. Second, interviews with care providers were completed to explore the perceived barriers and facilitators to detecting, diagnosing, and treating anxiety symptoms and disorders in residents of LTC. Framework analysis methods were used to code the interview data, label each code as a barrier or facilitator, and classify each code within the Theoretical Domains Framework.Results: Various low-risk, readily implemented non-pharmacological treatments, such as therapeutic touch and music therapy, with evidence of benefit for anxiety symptoms in residents of LTC were identified. There was limited evidence supporting the use of pharmacological treatment options for anxiety symptoms and disorders in LTC. Perceived barriers to anxiety symptom and disorder detection, diagnosis, and/or treatment included a lack of available treatments, limited access to mental health professionals, and resident comorbidities. Facilitators such as teamwork, family involvement, and specialized training were also identified.Conclusions: The present research is critical to advancing knowledge on how to best treat anxiety symptoms and disorders in LTC. Treatment options for anxiety symptoms in residents of LTC exist but there is a need to better recognize anxiety symptoms and disorders in residents, provide tailored non-pharmacological treatments to residents, and create an environment within LTC that supports anxiety management.
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Keywords
Long-term care, Anxiety, Treatment
Citation
Atchison, K. (2021). Treating Anxiety in Older Adults Living in Long-Term Care (Master thesis). University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca .