Der langfristige Verlauf schizophrener Späterkrankungen im Vergleich mit Schizophrenien aller Lebensalter

Abstract

<i>Bleuler</i>’s (5) findings on the long term course of schizophrenias are compared with my own findings on the long term course of so called late onset schizophrenias as defined by <i>Bleuler</i> (4). The comparison is used to establish the characteristics of the entire course and of the tendencies of the later course (1.1–1.4 and 2.1–2.3). Similarities were found in the frequency of episodic courses and in the relative stability of the later course tendencies. Differences were found in the greater number of chronic courses, and in the rarity of recoveries after acute episodes, and also in the large number among our own cases of poor psychosocial adjustment after prolonged illnesses in later age. The significance of psycho-organic deterioration in old age is stressed as a factor in assessing the long term course of late onset schizophrenias as here defined.