Schizophrenia and older adults - An overview: Directions for research and policy

The Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry, Committee on Aging, believes t hat a crisis has emerged with respect to the understanding of the nature an d treatment of schizophrenia in older persons. Moreover; critical gaps exis t in clinical services for this Population. lit this article, we examine th e epidemiology of aging and schizophrenia; life-course changes in psychopat hology, cognitive function, social functioning, and Physical health; and va rious concerns regarding treatment, services, and financing. Finally, we pr opose six research and policy recommendations and suggest methods for addre ssing the research questions that we have posed.