Functional impairment in older schizophrenic persons. Toward a conceptual model.

Abstract

The authors examined the determinants and consequences of impaired functioning in older schizophrenic persons by adapting a model of impairment developed by Berkman and Gurland. The sample consisted of 117 persons age 55 or older with a DSM-III-R diagnosis of schizophrenia. In logistic-regression analysis, the overall model attained significance in predicting functional impairment, and three predictor variables-abnormal movements, use of antiparkinsonian agents, and negative symptoms-attained independent significance. Functional impairment had a direct effect on two of the seven resultant variables, community activities and self-health, and an indirect effect on two other resultant variables, depression and life satisfaction. Thus, the Berkman-Gurland Model has potential usefulness for exploring functioning impairment among older schizophrenic persons. Moreover, the variables that have the greatest impact on functional impairment are potentially remediable.

• Authors: C I Cohen, N Talavera
• Journal: The American journal of geriatric psychiatry : official journal of the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry (Am J Geriatr Psychiatry) Vol. 8 Issue 3 Pg. 237-44 ( 2000) ISSN: 1064-7481 [Print] England
• PMID: 10910423 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Aged
• Cognition
• Dyskinesia, Drug-Induced (etiology)
• Female
• Health Resources (statistics & numerical data)
• Housing
• Humans
• Logistic Models
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Models, Psychological
• Odds Ratio
• Outcome Assessment, Health Care
• Outpatients (statistics & numerical data)
• Predictive Value of Tests
• Prognosis
• Quality of Life
• Rehabilitation (methods)
• Risk Factors
• Schizophrenia (diagnosis, drug therapy, rehabilitation)
• Schizophrenic Psychology
• Social Adjustment