Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older People

University College London (UCL)

Status: Unknown

Conditions: Very Late Onset Schizophrenia

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT03201731

17/0347

Details and patient eligibility

About

Although psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia usually present in late adolescence or early adulthood, research suggests that a substantial subset of people are diagnosed for the first time after the age of 60. This condition is referred to as 'very late-onset schizophrenia-like psychosis' (VLOSLP). People with VLOSLP are thought to experience high levels of social isolation, yet there has been little research systematically examining this. Additionally, little is known about how lonely people with VLOSLP feel, or how this group relate to and perceive other people.

This study aims to examine levels of social isolation and loneliness in patients with VLOSLP. The investigators also aim to explore aspects of social cognition in relation to VLOSLP.

A case-control study design will be used to examine the relationship between VLOSLP, loneliness, social isolation and social cognition. The case group will be people diagnosed with a non-organic psychotic disorder after age 60. The comparison group will be those aged 60 and above in contact with mental health services for a mental health difficulty, except from a psychotic disorder or dementia.

Enrollment: 66 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 60+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Cases

Inclusion criteria:

• Aged 60 and above.
• Diagnosed with a psychotic disorder after age 60.

Exclusion criteria:

• Diagnosed with a psychotic disorder before age 60.
• Dementia diagnosis.
• Mild cognitive impairment diagnosis.
• Clear organic cause for psychosis.
• Does not speak English to the degree needed to engage with study materials.
• Mental health problems too severe to fully engage with the study.
• Other medical or psychosocial factor that could limit ability to fully engage with study materials, such as severe intellectual disability or imminently life-limiting illness.

Controls

Inclusion criteria:

• Aged 60 and above.
• Diagnosed with any mental health disorder except from a psychotic disorder, dementia, or severe depression.

Exclusion criteria:

• Diagnosed psychotic disorder, drug-induced psychosis or organic psychosis.
• Dementia diagnosis.
• Mental health problems too severe to fully engage with the study.
• Does not speak English to the degree needed to engage with study materials.
• Other medical or psychosocial factor that could limit ability to fully engage with study materials, such as severe intellectual disability or imminently life-limiting illness.

Trial design

66 participants in 2 patient groups

Cases

Description:

Those diagnosed with a non-organic, non-affective psychotic disorder for the first time after age 60, recruited from a Community Mental Health Team.

Controls

Description:

Those aged 60 and above in contact with the same Community Mental Health Team for another mental health problem aside from a psychotic disorder or dementia.