An NIMH Workshop on Non-Affective Psychosis in Midlife and Beyond: Research Agenda on Phenomenology, Clinical Trajectories, Underlying Mechanisms, and Intervention Targets

Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2023 May;31(5):353-365. doi: 10.1016/j.jagp.2023.01.019. Epub 2023 Feb 1.

Abstract

We present a review of the state of the research in the phenomenology, clinical trajectories, biological mechanisms, aging biomarkers, and treatments for middle-aged and older people with schizophrenia (PwS) discussed at the NIMH sponsored workshop "Non-affective Psychosis in Midlife and Beyond." The growing population of PwS has specific clinical needs that require tailored and mechanistically derived interventions. Differentiating between the effects of aging and disease progression is a key challenge of studying older PwS. This review of the workshop highlights the recent findings in this understudied clinical population and the critical gaps in knowledge and consensus for research priorities. This review showcases the major challenges and opportunities for research to advance clinical care for this growing and understudied population.

Keywords: Schizophrenia; aging; biomarkers; cognition; treatment.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aging
  • Consensus
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • National Institute of Mental Health (U.S.)
  • Psychotic Disorders* / diagnosis
  • Psychotic Disorders* / psychology
  • Psychotic Disorders* / therapy
  • Schizophrenia* / diagnosis
  • Schizophrenia* / therapy
  • United States