Anxiety disorders occur in 8% of older adults (OAs) and are more common than late-life mood disorders, yet they are often underdiagnosed and undertreated (Aggarwal R et al, Focus 2017;15:157–161).

While often thought of as uncommon, elder abuse may occur in 10% or more of older adults (OAs), meaning that a busy clinician caring for OAs will frequently encounter a victim of abuse (Lachs MS and Pillemer KA, N Engl J Med 2015;373:1947-56). ● Despite this, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force doesn’t recommend regular screening for elder abuse, and therefore, it’s assessed on an as needed basis.

SSRIs are the first-line treatment for LLD because of their favorable side effect profiles and because they also help with cooccurring anxiety.