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Review
. 2019 Oct 16:9:2045125319882798.
doi: 10.1177/2045125319882798. eCollection 2019.

Psychotic disorders in late life: a narrative review

Rajesh R Tampi  1 , Juan Young  2 , Rakin Hoq  3 , Kyle Resnick  3 , Deena J Tampi  4
Affiliations
Review

Psychotic disorders in late life: a narrative review

Rajesh R Tampi et al. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol. .

Abstract

Psychotic disorders are not uncommon in late life. These disorders often have varied etiologies, different clinical presentations, and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality among the older adult population. Psychotic disorders in late life develop due to the complex interaction between various biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors. Given the significant morbidity and mortality associated with psychotic disorders in late life, a comprehensive work-up should be conducted when they are encountered. The assessment should not only identify the potential etiologies for the psychotic disorders, but also recognize factors that predicts possible outcomes for these disorders. Treatment approaches for psychotic disorders in late life should include a combination of nonpharmacological management strategies with the judicious use of psychotropic medications. When antipsychotic medications are necessary, they should be used cautiously with the goal of optimizing outcomes with regular monitoring of their efficacy and adverse effects.

Keywords: delusional disorder; elderly; geriatric; late life; late-onset schizophrenia; psychotic disorders; schizoaffective disorder; schizophrenia; very late-onset schizophrenia-like psychosis.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Pathway for identifying the etiologies for psychotic symptoms in late life.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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