Functional impairment in older schizophrenic persons. Toward a conceptual model.
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.
Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, SUNY Health Science Center at Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA.
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Talavera
D000368:Aged; D003071:Cognition; D004409:Dyskinesia, Drug-Induced / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006295:Health Resources / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006798:Housing; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D016017:Odds Ratio; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010045:Outpatients / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D011788:Quality of Life; D012046:Rehabilitation / Q000379:methods; D012307:Risk Factors; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012917:Social Adjustment