'Not of this world': the subjective experience of late-onset psychosis.
OBJECTIVE
Psychosis with first onset after the age of 60 arising in the absence of dementia or primary affective disorder is thought to affect 2-4% of older people. Up to half will not respond fully to medication.The subjective experience of living with late-onset psychosis (LOP) has not yet been considered and this study represents a preliminary attempt to explore the subjective experience and psychological features of older people living with LOP.


METHODS
The study was conducted in Ireland. Seven participants between the ages of 67 and 87 years who met diagnostic criteria for very late-onset schizophrenia-like psychosis were interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule. Participants spoke about previous life experiences as well as the experience of developing and living with LOP. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to identify common themes within their accounts.


RESULTS
Four themes emerged which reflected participants' subjective experiences of earlier life stages as well as their current experiences of LOP. Three interrelated themes described participants' experiences of social isolation, a solitary coping style and the experience of the self as 'different'. A final theme reflected participants' attempts to explain and find meaning in their psychotic experiences.


CONCLUSIONS
Results support the view that the experience of LOP emerges in the context of psychosocial vulnerabilities combined with adversities associated with the experience of ageing.
Quin
Rebecca Claire
RC
Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, Psychology, De Crespigny Park, London, London, SE5 8AF, UK.
Clare
Linda
L
Ryan
Patrick
P
Jackson
Mike
M
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D017668:Age of Onset; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology; D004532:Ego; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological / Q000379:methods; D007494:Ireland / Q000453:epidemiology; D008132:Loneliness / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D012934:Social Isolation / Q000523:psychology