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Hallucinatory-delusional states in the elderly: treatment classification
1Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan.
The Keio Journal of Medicine
|September 1, 1990
Summary
This study investigated hallucinatory states in older adults, identifying factors influencing recovery. Precipitating events and psychological factors significantly impact outcomes in elderly individuals experiencing hallucinations.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychiatry
- Neurology
Background:
- Investigates non-organic hallucinatory states in adults over sixty without overt dementia.
- Assesses biological, socio-psychological factors, and clinical symptoms in 43 subjects.
- Follows 38 subjects for one year to classify recovery patterns.
Observation:
- Three recovery groups identified: Complete (18), Partial (22), and Refractory (3).
- Complete recovery linked to acute onset, vivid hallucinations, and good treatment response.
- Partial recovery associated with female predominance and subacute onset, resembling late paraphrenia.
- Refractory cases showed poor treatment response, chronic onset, and progression to dementia.
Findings:
- Precipitating events, high education, and acute onset characterized complete recovery.
- Female predominance and subacute onset were noted in partial recovery.
- Chronic onset and poor treatment response predicted a refractory course, with some progressing to dementia.
Implications:
- Aging may reduce cerebral resilience, making elderly susceptible to environmental stressors triggering hallucinatory states.
- Psychological and somatic conditions preceding precipitating factors require attention for prophylaxis.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for managing and preventing hallucinatory-delusional states in the elderly.