Very Late Onset Schizophrenia Clinical Trial
Official title:
Social Isolation and Loneliness in Very Late-onset Schizophrenia-like Psychosis: A Case-control Study
Although psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia usually present in late adolescence or
early adulthood, research suggests that a substantial subset of people are diagnosed for the
first time after the age of 60. This condition is referred to as 'very late-onset
schizophrenia-like psychosis' (VLOSLP). People with VLOSLP are thought to experience high
levels of social isolation, yet there has been little research systematically examining this.
Additionally, little is known about how lonely people with VLOSLP feel, or how this group
relate to and perceive other people.
This study aims to examine levels of social isolation and loneliness in patients with VLOSLP.
The investigators also aim to explore aspects of social cognition in relation to VLOSLP.
A case-control study design will be used to examine the relationship between VLOSLP,
loneliness, social isolation and social cognition. The case group will be people diagnosed
with a non-organic psychotic disorder after age 60. The comparison group will be those aged
60 and above in contact with mental health services for a mental health difficulty, except
from a psychotic disorder or dementia.
n/a