Both anxiety disorders and depression are the most prevalent mental disorders in later life. However, in later life recognition of these disorders seems more complex, compared to 18-to 65-year olds with these disorders. The burden of disease and the functional impairment of anxiety disorders and depression remains high in the elderly. Nevertheless, the referral ratio for a first targeted psychological treatment decreased by a factor of 3-4 than would be expected regarding the prevalence of these disorders in later life. This has been shown in various studies. The most important factors causing this are stereotypical views of older adults, and a changed presentation and phenomenology. This can lead the health care professional astray. The aim of this article is to provide insight into the factors that hamper diagnosis and treatment. This provides health care professionals with tools to optimise clinical decision-making in older adults with anxiety disorders and depression.</p
