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

The Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry, Committee on Aging, believes that a crisis has emerged with respect to the understanding of the nature and treatment of schizophrenia in older persons. Moreover; critical gaps exist in clinical services for this Population. lit this article, we examine the epidemiology of aging and schizophrenia; life-course changes in psychopathology, cognitive function, social functioning, and Physical health; and various concerns regarding treatment, services, and financing. Finally, we propose six research and policy recommendations and suggest methods for addressing the research questions that we have posed.