Late-life Schizophrenia

Patients with schizophrenia of later life include those with early-onset schizophrenia (EOS) who have grown older, and those who develop the illness in late adult life, late-onset schizophrenia (LOS). This contribution highlights some of the differences between early-onset schizophrenia (EOS) and late-onset schizophrenia (LOS), with regard to aetiology, clinical features and management. The recent distinction between late-onset schizophrenia and very late-onset schizophrenia-like psychosis is acknowledged. The importance of addressing the physical, psychological and social needs of these patients is discussed with particular reference to the side-effect profile of both typical and atypical antipsychotics in elderly patients.