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Epidemiology of paranoid symptoms in an elderly population

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 January 2018

Yvonne Forsell  and
A. Scott Henderson
Yvonne Forsell*
Affiliation:
Stockholm Gerontology Research Center, Stockholm, Sweden
A. Scott Henderson
Affiliation:
NHMRC Social Psychiatry Research Institute, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
*
Dr Y. Forsell, Stockholm Gerontology Research Center, Olivecronasv. 4, 5-113 82 Stockholm. Sweden. Tel: 46 8 690 5819. Fax: 46 8 647 0078
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Abstract

Background

Elderly people with paranoid symptoms are a taxing group for medical and social services, but studies of the prevalence of these symptoms in the general elderly population are rare. This study aimed to estimate the community prevalence and to identify some associated variables.

Method

A community sample of 1420 elderly people, was extensively examined by nurses and physicians.

Results

Paranoid ideation was found in 6.3% of the sample. The prevalence in people with cognitive dysfunction (n=381, 12.1%) was higher than in those without (n=1039, 2.6%). Once cognitive impairment had been controlled the associated variables were: being divorced, being female, having depressive symptoms, using psychotropic drugs, having no friends or visitors, using community care and being an immigrant.

Conclusion

Paranoid symptoms in this elderly population were associated most strongly with cognitive impairment. Other associated variables pointed to a higher level of social isolation than others in the community.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 172 , Issue 5 , May 1998 , pp. 429 - 432
Copyright
Copyright © 1998 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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