Health experts across Canada develop first guidelines specific to assessment and treatment of anxiety in older adults
The Canadian Coalition of Seniors Mental Health to host webinar to launch the first guidelines for anxiety in older adults.
The Canadian Coalition of Seniors Mental Health (CCSMH) is actively engaging with older adults, care partners, health care providers, and community organizations across Canada. Their mission is to develop and share clinical guidelines and tools tailored to address the unique mental health needs of the aging population. In a society where aging and mental health are often stigmatized, CCSMH aims to empower older adults with resources that promote mental well-being and resilience.
Older adults face distinct challenges related to mental health; hence access to evidence-based information is essential for prevention and management of symptoms. The absence of existing guidelines for anxiety in older adults stresses the significance of CCSMH’s initiative of their new guidelines being launched. This project marks a pioneering step towards filling this gap, offering support not only to older adults, but also equipping healthcare providers with assessment and treatment tools.
In September 2022, Andrea Iaboni and Sébastien Grenier, co-leads of CCSMH organized a collaborative effort involving leading experts from various disciplines across Canada. These professionals specialize in anxiety disorders affecting older adults. Their monthly meetings fostered an environment where clinical expertise was shared, research evidence evaluated, and recommendations voted upon. Ultimately, resulting in the first of its kind guidelines.
Among the contributors is McMaster’s School of Nursing Assistant Professor, Carly Whitmore. As well as other McMaster faculty members including Assistant Professor in Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (HEI), Sarah Neil-Sztramko, and Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, Michael Van Ameringen. Each bringing a wealth of disciplinary knowledge contributing towards a holistic approach in addressing anxiety among older Canadians.
The guidelines will launch during a one-hour webinar scheduled on January 25 starting at 3:30 p.m. The webinar will also share important information on risk and protective factors for anxiety, best practices for assessment and diagnosis, and evidence-based treatments including psychotherapies and pharmacotherapies.
While this webinar is intended for a health care professional audience, anyone with an interest in enhancing the wellbeing of older adults with anxiety is welcome to attend. To learn more about the upcoming webinar and release of the anxiety guidelines, please visit the CCSMH project page here and you can register to attend the webinar here.
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