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Functional impairment in older schizophrenic persons. Toward a conceptual model
1Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, SUNY Health Science Center at Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA.
Summary
This study found that abnormal movements, antiparkinsonian agents, and negative symptoms significantly predict functional impairment in older adults with schizophrenia. These factors impact daily activities, self-health, depression, and life satisfaction, offering potential intervention targets.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Schizophrenia affects older adults, leading to functional impairment.
- Existing models of impairment require adaptation for this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine determinants and consequences of functional impairment in older adults with schizophrenia.
- To adapt the Berkman-Gurland model for this population.
Main Methods:
- Adapted the Berkman-Gurland model.
- Sample: 117 individuals aged 55+ with schizophrenia (DSM-III-R).
- Logistic-regression analysis was used.
Main Results:
- The adapted model significantly predicted functional impairment.
- Abnormal movements, antiparkinsonian agent use, and negative symptoms were independent predictors.
- Functional impairment directly affected community activities and self-health.
- Functional impairment indirectly affected depression and life satisfaction.
Conclusions:
- The adapted Berkman-Gurland model is useful for studying functional impairment in older schizophrenic individuals.
- Key predictors of functional impairment are potentially remediable, suggesting intervention possibilities.
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