Home
Scholarly Works
Late-Life Psychosis
Chapter

Late-Life Psychosis

Abstract

Psychosis in late lifeLate life psychosis can be seen in numerous psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia (early and late onset), delusional disorder, depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, delirium, and major neurocognitive disorders (formerly dementia) of various etiologies. It can also present in systemic medical and neurological illnesses and can be related to the use of certain medications. Identifying the clinical features characteristic of specific disorders can assist in making an accurate diagnosis of psychosis in the geriatric population. Treatment will depend on the condition within which the psychosis presents. Judicious use of low-dose antipsychotics in older patients with psychosis is recommended and effective while monitoring for safety concerns and tolerability. Limited yet emerging research also suggests the use of psychosocial treatments for psychosis. This chapter provides an overview of the various psychiatric and systemic medical conditions associated with psychosis in the geriatric population, including an approach to diagnostic evaluation and evidence-based management. The chapter will conclude with two clinical case studies to highlight the complexities inherent in the clinical management of late-life psychosis.

Authors

Waserman JE; Saperson K

Book title

Geriatric Psychiatry

Pagination

pp. 305-318

Publisher

Springer Nature

Publication Date

April 3, 2018

DOI

10.1007/978-3-319-67555-8_15
View published work (Non-McMaster Users)

Contact the Experts team