Comparison of older patients with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore differences in measures of symptoms and cognition, side effects, and functional impairment between older patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.


METHODS
Representative samples (N = 132) of older patients (age >54 years) with either bipolar disorder or schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder were compared on several clinical and psychosocial variables. The measures used included the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, The Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms, the Geriatric Depression Scale, the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale, the Clinical Global Impression, and the Mini-Mental Status Examination.


RESULTS
Despite being similar in age (mean age: 68 years), patients with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder had significantly greater negative symptoms (Cohen's d = 1.2), a higher clinical global impression of impairment (Cohen's d = 1.16), were less likely to drive (Cohen's d = 0.79), were less likely to be married (Cohen's d = 0.55), and less likely to live independently (Cohen's d = 0.45).


CONCLUSIONS
Although the absolute ratings suggested both diagnostic samples had significant disability, those with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder had a greater degree of impairment.
Gupta
Sanjay
S
Department of Psychiatry, Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY, USA. sgupta1@adelphia.net
Steinmeyer
Charles H
CH
Lockwood
Kari
K
Lentz
Barbara
B
Schultz
Kay
K
D000368:Aged; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D010054:Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires