| Title: |
Schizophrenia in Older Adults: Aging Effects, Course of Illness, and Treatment |
| Presenter: |
Marion A. Becker, RN, PhD |
| Type of Presentation: |
Concurrent Workshop Session 3C |
| Date/Time: |
Tuesday, Oct 18, 2005 10:15 am – 12:00 noon |
| Abstract: |
Schizophrenia is the most common form of severe mental illness, affecting 1% of the population. Despite the fact that schizophrenia is a lifelong illness, older adults with schizophrenia have been a largely neglected population. With normal aging as a point of comparison, this workshop will examine the course of schizophrenia over time and review age-related changes in clinical features of schizophrenia and the specific interventions that are recommended for older adults. Pharmacological and behavioral interventions tailored for older adults will be presented along with a discussion of recommended treatment guidelines. |
| Goal: |
To increase the participants' knowledge with a review of the course of schizophrenia over the lifespan and examine age-related treatment needs of older adults with this lifelong illness. |
| Objective 1: |
Participants will recognize the clinical features of schizophrenia and age-related changes in the course of illness over time. |
| Objective 2: |
Participants will demonstrate an understanding of pharmacological and behavioral interventions recommended for older adults with schizophrenia. |
| Objective 3: |
Participants will discuss recommendations for policy and treatment guidelines targeted to older adults. |