Involutional paranoid disorder: a forgotten syndrome

Involutional paranoid disorder is seen frequently in medical and psychiatric inpatient units, geriatric units, and other medical settings in which persons in the climacteric age group are treated. Little information is provided in the recent literature to guide the practitioner in diagnosing and treating this disorder. The authors review the clinical features of involutional paranoia and present three case reports to illustrate the characteristic symptoms. Diagnostic and treatment considerations are also reviewed.