How Prevalent is Agoraphobia in the Elderly?

Clinicians have long believed that agoraphobia is particularly prevalent in the elderly. A recent study in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry featuring over 12,000 adults aged ≥55 suggests a much lower prevalence and, further, challenges the long-held belief that agoraphobia and panic disorders go hand in hand. The study suggests that agoraphobia is more common in females, younger people, widowers and divorcees, and adults with other psychiatric disorders. Bivariate analysis indicated a correlation between panic disorder and agoraphobia, but multivariate analysis accounting for other psychiatric disorders and demographics showed no significant relationship between panic disorder and agoraphobia. http://www.ajgponline.org/cgi/content/abstract/14/6/515