The elderly demographic is on the rise - and this includes elderly living with schizophrenia. Yet very little is known about their lives, how they cope with their condition and how it develops over time. Research in this patient-group is sparse; overall there seem to be a tendency for elderly patients to manifest fewer psychotic symptoms and experiencing an increase in the psychological quality of life with older age. Opinions are divided on the degree and extent to which this tendency reflects remission and/or recovery in older patients. In order to identify factors associated with a positive outcome we: * Investigate the course and the outcomes of the illness over the lifespan, as well as the life course and outcomes. * Investigate the current status of mental and physical health, quality of life as well as functional competence of elderly (55+ yr) with schizophrenia. Also the investigators \- Compare the trajectory and prognosis of schizophrenia (a chronic mental illness) with type 1 diabetes (a chronic somatic illness). This study will yield vital insights into how schizophrenia develops over time, isolating factors that determine how well patients fare. The perspective is to advance knowledge of elderly with schizophrenia with a view to optimizing and increasing the effectiveness of the interventions offered to this group.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
10,404
Research Unit of Psychiatry, Psychiatric Unit Odense - University function
Odense C, Denmark
Ageing with schizophrenia
Prognosis measured by use of healthcare system, use of medicine, co-morbidity, mortality, causes of mortality, and socio-demographic data, including highest level of education, years of employment/un-employment, use of health- and welfare services.
Time frame: up to 45 years
Quality of life
Questionnaire
Time frame: 1 month
Remission
Questionnaire
Time frame: 6 months
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