Older Adults with First-Onset Schizophrenia: An Under-Recognized and Under-Served Patient Population

Abstract

Schizophrenia is typically understood to be a disorder with onset in early adulthood, but nearly a quarter of patients are estimated to develop schizophrenia after age 40. Late-onset schizophrenia (patients with onset after age 40) and very-late onset schizophrenia (patients with onset after age 60) are historically an under-recognized and under-served population. Reasons for this are manifold, and may include barriers such as inconsistent terminology used to describe these patients, challenges with diagnosing, and lack of resources and research for these patients. To overcome these barriers, the DSM should include these subsets and provide clear diagnostic criteria. Incorporating these subsets into the learning objectives of medical school and residency programs would also promote further education and thus recognition of these patients. Finally, allocating funds towards resources and research in first-onset diagnosis of schizophrenia in adults over 40 would optimize treatment and improve understanding of this vulnerable patient population.