EPP111 - Late-Onset Schizophrenia (≥ 50 Years): A Retrospective Study of 30 Hospitalized Psychiatric Cases
EPP111
Late-Onset Schizophrenia (≥ 50 Years): A Retrospective Study of 30 Hospitalized Psychiatric Cases
R. Rahoua 1,*, H. Zizi 1, M. Berghalout 1, I. Adali 1, F. Manoudi 1
1Psychiatry, Ibn Nafis Hospital – University Hospital Center Mohammed VI, Marrakech, Morocco
Introduction: Late-onset schizophrenia (≥ 50 years) is a clinical entity that remains relatively under-studied. It has
drawn the attention of many researchers who have attempted to clarify its definition and
characteristics. While most authors agree on defining it as a clinical presentation beginning after the
age of 40, there is still disagreement regarding its specific clinical features and progression.(Yasuda M et al.Late-onset schizophrenia;2013 Apr;71(4):707-11)
Objectives: To describe the clinical, therapeutic, and evolutionary characteristics of elderly patients hospitalized
for late-onset schizophrenia.
Methods: This is a descriptive retrospective study involving 30 patients aged 60 and over, hospitalized in the
psychiatry department of Ibn Nafis Hospital – University Hospital Center Mohammed VI in
Marrakech, between January 2024 and July 2025, with a diagnosis of schizophrenia whose first
symptoms appeared after the age of 50. Clinical, sociodemographic, therapeutic, and outcome-
related data were collected from medical records.
Results: The average age of the patients was 62 years, with a female predominance (59%). The onset was
insidious in 48.7% of cases. Persecutory delusions were the most frequently reported themes
(74.3%), while auditory hallucinations were the most common delusional mechanism (81.2% of
cases). Negative symptoms were observed in only 13% of patients. The majority of patients (86%)
showed a good response to antipsychotic treatment, with a preference for atypical antipsychotics.
Risperidone was prescribed in 48.3% of cases. Adverse effects were noted in 23.7% of cases.
Conclusions: Late-onset schizophrenia is characterized by specific clinical features and often follows a more stable
course than early-onset forms. Better recognition of this entity is essential to avoid diagnostic delays
and to tailor therapeutic strategies to the aging population.(Wynn Owen PA et al. Late-onset schizophrenia: epidemiology, diagnosis, management and outcomes. Drugs Aging. 1999 Aug;15(2):81-9)
Disclosure of Interest: None Declared