Schizophrenia Into Later Life

This book is an overview of the current state of knowledge about schizophrenia in later life and its implications for service, research, and policy. Broad coverage includes information on demographic and clinical characteristics of older schizophrenic persons, treatment approaches, research strategies, and economic and health policy issues.

We are on the verge of a crisis in mental health. Over the next 30 years the number of chronically mentally ill people 55 years of age and older will double. With multiple disorders relating to mental illness and old age, these people will require unique services from a health care system that is ill prepared to deliver them. Schizophrenia Into Later Life: Treatment, Research, and Policy is the first major multidisciplinary reference on this important topic -- a landmark work for researchers, service providers, and policy makers.

Broad in scope, it discusses the demographic and clinical characteristics of older schizophrenic persons, details treatment approaches, suggests research strategies, and covers the relevant economic and health policy issues. • The most up-to-date, comprehensive source of information on this understudied group. It will help community psychiatrists, gerontologists, psychologists, policy makers, and social scientists meet a growing demand for services.• A multidisciplinary approach with contributing experts from fields of biological psychiatry, social psychiatry, sociology, anthropology, social work, psychology, and neuropsychology will help professionals integrate services for the best outcome.• A primary resource on the subject -- sections include epidemiology, biological aspects, psychosocial features, clinical care, and public policy.

Today there is a distressing lack of age-appropriate clinical, rehabilitative, or residential programs for older patients with chronic mental illness. Schizophrenia in Later Life: Treatment, Research, and Policy will guide researchers, service providers, and policy makers in creating innovative new programs to help this underserved and growing population.

ContributorsIntroductionPART I: Epidemiology, Historical Background, Illness Phenomenology, and Diagnostic IssuesChapter 1. Patterns of Care for Persons 65 Years and Older With SchizophreniaChapter 2. Changes in Schizophrenia Across Time: Paradoxes, Patterns, and PredictorsChapter 3. A Comparison of Early- and Late-Onset SchizophreniaChapter 4. Differential Diagnosis of Psychotic Disorders in the ElderlyPART II: Biological and Medical AspectsChapter 5. Biological Changes in Older Adults With SchizophreniaChapter 6. Cognitive Functioning in Late-Life Schizophrenia: Course and CorrelatesChapter 7. Medical Comorbidity in Older Persons With SchizophreniaPART III: Gender and Sociocultural AspectsChapter 8. Gender Differences in Schizophrenia Across the Life Span Chapter 9. Social Vicissitudes of Schizophrenia in Later LifePART IV: Treatment and Service IssuesChapter 10. What Are the Service Needs of Aging People With Schizophrenia?Chapter 11. Use of Novel Antipsychotics in Older Patients With SchizophreniaChapter 12. Community-Based Treatment of Schizophrenia and Other Severe Mental IllnessesChapter 13. Biobehavioral Treatment and Rehabilitation for Older Adults With SchizophreniaChapter 14. Changing Caregiving Needs as Persons With Schizophrenia Grow OlderChapter 15. Mental Health Policy and Financing of Services for Older Adults With Severe Mental IllnessPART V: Future DirectionsChapter 16. Toward the Development of Theory and Research in Aging and SchizophreniaIndex