Social isolation and loneliness in people aged 60 and above
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Social isolation and loneliness in very late-onset schizophrenia-like psychosis: A case-control study
IRAS ID
222458
Contact name
Robert Howard
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
UCL data protection registration number, Z6364106/2017/06/114; Clinicaltrials.gov pre-registration identifier, NCT03201731
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Background: 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. This is important as both loneliness and social isolation are linked with a range of negative health outcomes. We are also interested in social cognition, or how people with VLOSLP perceive and relate to other people, and whether this is associated with social isolation.
Aims: The main aim of this study is to examine levels of social isolation and loneliness in patients with VLOSLP. Our secondary aim is to explore aspects of social cognition in relation to VLOSLP. This may help to provide further insight into potential risk factors for VLOSLP. Findings may pave the way for future research into whether interventions or preventative strategies targeting social isolation or social cognition could benefit this patient group.
Methods: 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 diagnosed with another mental illness in the same mental health trust. Patients will be recruited from community mental health teams. We will meet with participants to assess levels of mental health problems, social isolation, loneliness, social relationships, and social cognition. This will take place during a single meeting, where possible, which will last up to two hours.
REC name
London - Queen Square Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/1393
Date of REC Opinion
23 Nov 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion