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Associations of Psychotic Symptoms in Dementia Sufferers

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Clive Ballard ,
Carol Bannister ,
Candida Graham ,
Femi Oyebode  and
Gordon Wilcock
Clive Ballard*
Affiliation:
University of Birmingham, Queen Elizabeth Psychiatric Hospital
Carol Bannister
Affiliation:
St Caddocks Hospital, Chepstow
Candida Graham
Affiliation:
Leicester General Hospital
Femi Oyebode
Affiliation:
Queen Elizabeth Psychiatric Hospital, Birmingham
Gordon Wilcock
Affiliation:
Frenchay Hospital, Bristol
*
Dr Clive Ballard, University of Birmingham, Queen Elizabeth Psychiatric Hospital, Mindelson Way, Birmingham B15 2QZ. Fax: 021 627 2832
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Abstract

Background

Psychotic symptoms in dementia have been considered as a single category which may have masked important associations. An exploratory analysis was undertaken to look separately at delusions, visual hallucinations and delusional misidentification.

Method

Psychotic symptoms were assessed with the Burns' Symptom Checklist in 124 patients with DSM–III–R dementia.

Results

Eighty-three (66.9%) patients had psychotic symptoms. Deafness and life events were associated with delusions and visual impairment was associated with visual hallucinations, while senile dementia of Lewy body type and older age were associated with both.

Conclusions

Differences are evident in the associations of delusions and visual hallucinations. Sensory impairments were associated with both symptoms.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 167 , Issue 4 , October 1995 , pp. 537 - 540
Copyright
Copyright © 1995 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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