title: Service and treatment engagement of people with very late-onset schizophrenia-like psychosis.
abstract: Aims and method Electronic patient records were used to investigate the level of engagement and treatment that patients with very late-onset schizophrenia-like psychosis (VLOSLP) had with mental health services. Results Of 131 patients assessed and diagnosed, 63 (48%) were taking antipsychotic treatment at 3 months, 46 (35%) at 6 months and 36 (27%) at 12 months. At discharge from mental health services, 54% of patients had failed to engage with services or became lost to follow-up, 18% had engaged with services but were not taking antipsychotic medication and only 28% were taking treatment. Clinical implications Results showed that less than half of the patients with VLOSLP were commenced on antipsychotic treatment and less than a third remained on treatment at 1 year or at point of discharge. This highlights the need for services to consider being more assertive in taking potentially effective treatment to this patient group.
authors: South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust.
authors: Chun Chiang
authors: CC
authors: Sin Fai Lam
authors: King's College London; University College London.
authors: Suzanne J
authors: SJ
authors: Reeves
authors: King's College London.
authors: Robert
authors: R
authors: Stewart
authors: King's College London; University College London.
authors: Robert
authors: R
authors: Howard