Zhurnal nevropatologii i psikhiatrii imeni S.S. Korsakova (Moscow, Russia : 1952)·1992
Psychogenic abnormalities in older adults often stem from earlier neuroses and reactive psychoses, with depression being common. Traumatic situations and socio-psychological factors can facilitate these late-life mental health issues.
Area of Science:
Geriatric Psychiatry
Psychopathology
Clinical Psychology
Context:
Investigates psychogenic abnormalities in elderly individuals.
Examines the developmental pathways of mental health disorders in late life.
Focuses on patients with psychogenic disturbances manifesting in advanced age.
Purpose:
To determine the frequency and characteristics of psychogenic abnormalities in old age.
To identify factors contributing to the development of late-life psychogenic disorders.
To understand the typical clinical presentations and universal manifestations of senile pathological personality development.
Summary:
A study of 51 elderly patients revealed that psychogenic abnormalities are frequent outcomes of presenile neuroses and reactive psychoses, rarely originating de novo in old age.
Depressive development is the most typical presentation in advanced age, with chronic subdepression, diffuse hypochondria, egocentrism, and rent orientations being universal features.
Regression analysis indicated that persistent traumatic situations, low professional status, and other socio-psychological and biological factors facilitate psychogenic disturbances in the latter half of life.
Impact:
Provides insights into the etiology and clinical spectrum of late-life psychogenic disorders.
Highlights the significance of early-onset mental health issues in predicting later-life psychopathology.
Informs targeted interventions for preventing and managing psychogenic abnormalities in the elderly population.