Is schizophrenia a disorder of all ages? A comparison of first episodes and early course across the life-cycle

摘要: Background The heterogeneity of schizophrenic and delusional syndromes by age onset has frequently been discussed. Methods distribution symptoms 5 year course was studied in a population-based first-episode sample admitted to 10 psychiatric hospitals before the 60 (N = 232) clinical without limit consecutive first admissions single hospital 1109), both samples with broadly diagnosed schizophrenia. Results Early-onset patients, particularly men, presented more non-specific higher PSE-CATEGO total scores than late-onset patients. In symptom severity decreased increasing onset. women, it remained stable except for an increase negative late-onset. Only few changed markedly age: disorganization decreased, while paranoid systematic delusions increased steeply across whole range. Pronounced age- sex-differences emerged illness behaviour, socially behaviour substance abuse. Within group psychoses there were continuous transitions profiles no discrimination between schizophrenia psychosis or late paraphrenia. main determinant social level development. patients did not improve status, prior retirement, suffered considerable decline status. Conclusions Gender differences at trends support hypothesis mild protective effect oestrogen. Social results from interplay biological factors (age functional impairment) development (level behaviour).