Search

Objectives To synthesize and summarize the studies examining the prevalence rate of anxiety disorders and symptoms in older adults living in residential aged care. Methods Using the PRISMA guidelines, five electronic databases were searched using key terms and subject headings, as well as reference lists of relevant papers. The search was limited to literature published in English. Eligible studies examined the prevalence of anxiety disorders or symptoms in aged care residents aged 50+ years. Results A total of 2249 articles were identified, of which 18 studies (with a total of 5927 participants) were included in this review. The rate of overall anxiety disorders ranged from 3.2% to 20%, with the highest quality studies estimating a prevalence rate of 5% to 5.7%. Generalized anxiety disorder and specific phobias were found to be the most common anxiety disorders among aged care residents, while clinically significant anxiety symptoms were found to be more frequent (6.5% to 58.4%) than threshold disorders. Conclusions Anxiety disorders and anxiety symptoms are common in older aged care residents. Given the paucity and overall quality of research examining anxiety within this population and the heterogeneity found in studies, further research is needed to help clarify this issue. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Aim: To identify the most common and distressing behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia ( BPSD ) in nursing homes and to identify staff preferences regarding its behavioural management. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was completed by a self-selected sample of 247 staff working in 21 nursing homes in a defined catchment area. The survey contained items relating to experience in aged care work, attitudes towards BPSD, ratings of the importance of certain behavioural strategies for managing BPSD, and the Challenging Behaviour Scale. Results: Shouting, wandering and restlessness had the highest incidence, frequency and difficulty ratings. Frequency of BPSD and level of satisfaction with how they were managed had the greatest effect on overall level of difficulty in managing behaviours. Staff rated discussing behavioural concerns at a group level and with senior nursing staff as the most important behavioural strategies. Conclusion: A strong relationship was found between frequency and difficulty of BPSD. Therefore, interventions targeted at lowering frequency of BPSD are recommended. Communication across a number of levels may enhance the implementation of behavioural interventions.