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Specific phobias in older adults: characteristics and differential diagnosis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 May 2010

Carlos M. Coelho ,
Daniela C. Gonçalves ,
Helena Purkis ,
Margarida Pocinho ,
Nancy A. Pachana  and
Gerard J. Byrne
Carlos M. Coelho*
Affiliation:
School of Human Movement Studies, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia Queensland Brain Institute, Brisbane, Australia
Daniela C. Gonçalves
Affiliation:
School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
Helena Purkis
Affiliation:
School of Psychology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
Margarida Pocinho
Affiliation:
School of Psychology and Human Studies, University of Madeira, Madeira, Portugal
Nancy A. Pachana
Affiliation:
School of Psychology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
Gerard J. Byrne
Affiliation:
School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Carlos M. Coelho PhD, Queensland Brain Institute, Building 79, Upland Road, University of Queensland, St Lucia QLD 4072 Brisbane, Australia. Phone: +61 (0)7 3346 6300. Email: c.coelho@uq.edu.au.
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Abstract

Background: Differential diagnosis implies identifying shared and divergent characteristics between clinical states. Clinical work with older adults demands not only the knowledge of nosological features associated with differential diagnosis, but also recognition of idiosyncratic factors associated with this population. Several factors can interfere with an accurate diagnosis of specific phobia in older cohorts. The goal of this paper is to review criteria for specific phobia and its differential diagnosis with panic disorder, agoraphobia, post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder, while stressing the specific factors associated with aging.

Methods: A literature search regarding specific phobia in older adults was carried out using PubMed. Relevant articles were selected and scanned for further pertinent references. In addition, relevant references related to differential diagnosis and assessment were used.

Results: Etiologic factors, specificity of feared stimulus or situation, fear predictability and the nature of phobic situations are key points to be assessed when implementing a differential diagnosis of specific phobia.

Conclusions: First, age-related sensory impairments are common and interfere both with information processing and communication. Second, medical illnesses create symptoms that might cause, interfere with, or mimic anxiety. Third, cohort effects might result in underreporting, through the inability to communicate or recognize anxiety symptoms, misattributing them to physical conditions. Finally, diagnostic criteria and screening instruments were usually developed using younger samples and are therefore not adapted to the functional and behavioral characteristics of older samples.

Keywords

agingagoraphobiadifferential diagnosisagedobsessive compulsive disorderpanic disorderphobiaspost-traumatic stress disorder
Type
Review Article
Information
International Psychogeriatrics , Volume 22 , Issue 5 , August 2010 , pp. 702 - 711
Copyright
Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2010

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