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Schizophrenia in late life
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA. ltune@emory.edu
The Psychiatric Clinics of North America
|April 10, 2003
Summary
Antipsychotics effectively manage agitation and psychosis in late-life dementia. Atypical antipsychotics show promise for schizophrenia core symptoms, but more research is needed on optimal dosing and patient subgroup responses.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Neuroscience
Background:
- Late-life psychosis, particularly in dementia, is often treated with antipsychotics.
- Conventional and atypical antipsychotics are primary treatment options.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the efficacy and safety of antipsychotics in late-life psychosis.
- To identify areas for future research in treating late-life schizophrenia and dementia-related psychosis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on antipsychotic use in elderly patients with psychosis.
- Analysis of evidence for efficacy in behavioral dyscontrol versus core schizophrenic symptoms.
Main Results:
- Atypical antipsychotics demonstrate therapeutic efficacy with a better side-effect profile than conventional agents.
- Evidence for treating core symptoms of late-life schizophrenia is emerging, necessitating further trials.
- Low therapeutic doses and vigilant side-effect monitoring are crucial.
Conclusions:
- Atypical antipsychotics are effective for late-life psychosis, especially in managing behavioral symptoms.
- Future research should differentiate between schizophrenia and secondary psychoses, and consider early-onset vs. late-onset schizophrenia, and illness severity.